The Tigers continue to roar on either side of the ball as Central Park-St Brendan’s kept its unbeaten Haisman Shield start alive on Saturday.
Central Park had barely enough time to get a quick bat in on day one, but a massive early effort from opener Andrew Cowen propped up the innings.
Cowen propelled through almost 30 overs himself as the objective of soaking up the second day became clear, notching his first triple-figure tally of season 2023-24 Haisman Shield.
Tyler Larkin escorted Cowen along much of the journey as they paired up for a game-defining 134-run stand for the eventual second wicket, keeping his own form hot in the process.
THE GAME
Central Park-St Brendan’s 7-317 (Andrew Cowen 114, Tyler Larkin 61, Connor Green 2-33) d Shepparton United 184 (Rehan Bari 91, Jake Smith 43, Keiran Hogeboom 3-17, Jarrod Wakeling 3-40)
STAR PLAYER
Andrew Cowen (CPSTB): A patient and highly sought-after big knock for Cowen steered the Tigers through any potential adversity and his partnership with Larkin appeared to remove any doubt in this game.
The Tigers had more than enough about them to freeze Shepparton United out in the end, with Ethan Baxter and Jack McCarten continuing to shoulder the load after the early damage was done as the Tigers happily declared at 7-317, with no second innings required.
Rehan Bari’s 91 on the first day should not be overlooked, though, as he continues an eye-catching start to the season averaging nearly 70 and setting up a serious tilt at the Lightfoot Medal.
Off a comfortable win in this derby, Central Park won’t have to stray from the friendly confines at Deakin Reserve when it entertains Kyabram over the next two weeks.
It may find this a tougher task than it looked a fortnight ago, with Kyabram boasting arguably the most dominant result of the weekend’s fixtures.
Meanwhile, Shepparton United will find it tough going to reach the upper echelon again, sitting seventh at 3-1-2 with the top four having already waited through their byes.
United will host the returning Katandra after the Eagles sat out the opening two-day weekend with the bye.