Another batting clinic from skipper Kyle Mueller set up Kyabram’s win over Mooroopna when the 2023-24 grand finalists faced off in Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield’s second round on Saturday.
Winning the toss and batting first in the game at Mooroopna Kyabram, accumulated 5-222 runs on the back of a stellar, better than a run-a-ball knock of 102 not out from the competition’s premier batsman.
Mueller’s unbeaten innings contained 10 boundaries and three sixes.
Opener Billy McLay who set up Kyabram’s historic flag win last season with a half century again showed his liking for the Mooroopna attack with a solid 46, which included four boundaries, off 108 deliveries.
He and Cade Mueller put on 31 runs for the second wicket with the latter cracking 22 off 11 deliveries with two fours and a six.
McLay and Kyle Mueller then added 101 for the third wicket and handy contributions from Ethan Hart and Jason Leocata swelled Kyabram’s final score to an impressive 5-222.
Mooroopna made a positive start to its run chase with a half century stand by openers Joel May (52) and Tasman Hall (15) but wickets fell regularly after their dismissals as spinner Louis Sabbagh-Holt with 3-26 off eight overs, new recruit Jack Donnell (2-49 off nine overs) and Bill McLay (2-3 off 0.3 overs) wrapped up the Mooroopna innings in 37.3 overs for 148.
Kyabram hosts Shepparton Youth Club United this Saturday.
X Kyabram’s B-grade side failed to chase down Mooroopna’s 8-184 in their clash at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Kyabram’s bowlers picked up a couple of early wickets but a fine knock of 73 from Simon D’Elia guaranteed a competitive Mooroopna score.
Spinner Alec Young took 3-45 off eight overs and opening bowlers Nick Chambers and Matt McDonald were the only other wicket takers, each with two wickets.
In reply Kyabram was bowled out in 37.5 overs for 141.
Opener Jason Parsons (21), Nic Chambers (22), Matt McDonald (28) Mason McDonald (17) and Alec Young (16) all got starts but none could go on with it.