Nagambie has flexed its offensive might for the second straight week, posting the largest score yet in this season’s Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield to see off Old Students.
Electing to bat first Nagambie did not have a full range of contributors, but ‘keeper Luke Nolan’s unbeaten century and a massive 131-run stand for the fourth wicket put the Lakers’ strength on full display.
Mohammad Shahid put up an expensive spell, but rebounded in taking two wickets ― ending the game-breaking partnership in the process ― before finishing on 26 not out as Old Students fell 62 runs short.
THE GAME
Nagambie 4-220 (L. Nolan 100*, Z. Winter-Irving 61, M. Shahid 2-60) d Old Students 8-158 (C. McCabe 32, O. Lambourn 30, B. Boddington 2-22)
STAR PLAYER
Luke Nolan (Nagambie): Who else? Nolan’s stellar unbeaten ton guided the Lakers to a monstrous total, getting a tidy moment behind the stumps with a catch to round off a brilliant outing.
The Lakers’ season-high tally wasn’t the only new benchmark achieved at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, though, with their cause aided by a wayward 18 wides off Students bowling.
Callan McCabe top-scored in the chase with 32, but his side lacked the firepower to compete with a Nagambie outfit that presents as an offensive powerhouse this season.
Victorious skipper Mark Nolan was happy to wax lyrical about his brother’s destructive innings.
“He batted exceptionally well,” Mark said of Luke.
“He didn’t take many risks, as he normally doesn’t, and he hit plenty of singles on the back end to keep it ticking over.
“He took our outlook, at about 170-ish, up to a 220 score and it was nice to be out there while he got 100, though I was just trying to get off strike.”
The 2-0 start admittedly surprises Nolan, who has seen the club start in compromised spots on the table before.
Expectations were that absences would be a factor as the overlap between clubs’ football and cricket programs often creates a turbulent first few weeks in the Haisman ranks.
“We didn’t forecast being 2-0,” Nolan said.
“You usually have a few out while footy wraps up, so we were hoping to split the first fortnight or month.
“We’ve been 0-3 and chasing our tails before, so to be in this spot is really pleasing.”
Karramomus will await the Lakers this week, having come off a season opener in which they almost pulled off a great escape against Waaia.
“They’re a side with a few quality cricketers and some really handy bowlers,’’ Nolan said.
“We’ll look to keep doing what we do well.”