On a searing hot Saturday afternoon, the region’s cricketers would have been praying their captains would win the toss and elect to bat.
In Nagambie’s case, the coin fell in captain Zac Winter-Irving’s favour as he sent his troops to get padded up for their two-day Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield clash against Euroa.
The Lakers’ openers got off to a strong start at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, not losing a wicket until the start of the 24th over when James Auld departed for 21.
This brought an in-form Luke Nolan to the crease who has averaged 58.67 runs an innings to start the season.
Nagambie’s other opener Ben Tarran departed for 23 eight overs later leaving the score at 2-62.
From there, Nolan (71 runs off 149 balls) and Mitch Winter-Irving controlled the day’s play with the bat.
While Nolan was a steadfast rock in defence — while also demonstrating his class with seven boundaries — Winter-Irving was a menace with the willow.
Winter-Irving carved his way through Euroa’s field scoring nine boundaries and two sixes to finish on an unbeaten 130 from 139 balls.
His brother, Zac, made note of how well Winter-Irving and Nolan tend to perform when they bat together.
“Lukey Nolan continued his form, Mitch set up the day, and to put on 160 really built that total up to 300,” Winter-Irving said.
“Lukey at one end allowed Mitch to have a really attacking innings and really kick on with it — they always bat pretty well together.
“It’s always a good combination having those two out there together, they didn’t look like going out for a fair while.
“It was a key part of the game and set us up for that score.”
THE GAME
Nagambie 3-309 (Mitch Winter-Irving 130*, Luke Nolan 71, Cohen Paul 2-115) lead Euroa (yet to bat)
After Nolan was dismissed by Euroa young gun Cohen Paul, middle-order batter James Wilson (39 not out off 29 balls) came to the crease and joined in with Winter-Irving as the two pushed the score above 300.
Nagambie’s captain said his side was keen to make amends after the previous weekend’s defeat to Shepparton Youth Club United in the opening two-day match of the season.
“We were coming off the back end of a loss, so we were looking to get back to basics and post a competitive total,” he said
“We wanted to go big today and set up a big score to give our bowlers a rest.”
Nagambie finished the innings on 3-309, leaving Euroa a tall target to chase on Saturday.
Winter-Irving said the Lakers would look to restrict the Magpies' batters early during the second day’s play.
“The (Nagambie Recreation Reserve) deck is true to what we know it is,” he said.
“We will look to get the ball up there and consolidate.
“If we build dots and maidens then that should build pressure and bring wickets.
“That will be the key for us to not drop a boundary ball every over and to build those maidens up.”