Last season’s one-day premier Waaia has continued its bright start to defending its crown, making it three wins from as many matches on Saturday afternoon.
Hosting Karramomus at Waaia Recreation Reserve, the Bombers made a fast start to the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield match after being sent into bat.
Waaia opening pair Damien Atkins (18 runs off 22 balls) and Brayden Carey (19 off 21) got the Bombers briskly to 0-38 after 6.4 overs.
However, the Bloods’ quick run of four wickets wrenched the momentum back, leaving the Bombers on 4-47 after 9.2 overs.
With his side suddenly on the back foot, Waaia captain Mitch Cleeland stepped up as he so often does, hitting 45 runs off 63 balls (five boundaries) to form an 87-run partnership with Kaleb Gilmour.
Gilmour, the Bombers' number six, was the pick of the batters, as he struck a calm 61 runs from 96 balls (seven boundaries and one six) to help guide Waaia to a competitive 9-188 from 40 overs — the match was shortened due to a wet outfield.
With the cherry in hand Lachie Keady (3-28 from eight overs) and Zac Groombridge (3-33 from seven) were the most damaging bowlers for Karra.
Declan Newbound was also productive for the Bloods, taking 2-27 from his six, including the important wicket of Gilmour.
While Cleeland was inspiring with the willow for Waaia, Karramomus captain Mitch McGrath fought equally hard for his side at the top of the order before losing his wicket to a Liam Evans seed.
McGrath’s 49 off 95 was a shining light for the Bloods in an otherwise disappointing output with the bat.
Aside from McGrath, Karramomus’ next five batters failed to register more than six runs each.
The Bloods only had three batters score higher than seven runs for the innings.
Coming in at 5-47, Groombridge chipped in for a handy 27 off 38, but after the all-rounder was dismissed Waaia’s path to victory was clear.
Number eight Luke Forge held his own with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 18 from 24 deliveries.
Karramomus made it through its 40 overs, but fell 51 runs short.
THE GAME
Waaia 9-188 (Kaleb Gilmour 61, Mitch Cleeland 45, Lachie Keady 3-28) d Karramomus 9-137 (Mitch McGrath 49, Zac Groombridge 27, Will Trower 4-23)
STAR PLAYER
Will Trower (Waaia): It was a toss of the coin between Gilmour and Trower, however, Trower's 4-23 from eight overs was outstanding for the Bombers. Trower’s impact with ball in hand - taking three of the first four wickets - was crucial in Waaia’s win. Somehow the Bombers keep finding jet bowlers.
Waaia’s off-season recruit Evans has struggled with the bat to start the season, averaging 2.67 across his first three innings, but the Bombers star seemed to find some form with the ball on Saturday, taking 2-26 from his eight overs.
Bombers gun bowler Jesse Trower was typically tidy (1-21 from eight), while Jordan Cleeland finished with 1-31 from eight overs.
Karramomus coach Steve Allen said slippery conditions underfoot affected his bowlers’ run-ups, but that wasn’t the entire reason for the Bloods' inconsistency.
“With our bowling, our bad balls always went for four and we weren’t as consistent as we would like to be, having said that, the conditions underfoot early were not as good as we would like them to be — a little damp,” Allen said.
“We probably just didn’t hit the line and length as much as we would have liked.
“Lachie (Keady) has had a good start to the year.
“We need to start bowling in partnerships.”
The Bloods’ bowling and batting showed signs of growth on last summer, however, Allen said his players must learn quickly from these early season performances.
“Our top order needs to put some partnerships on the board and make runs,” he said.
“We let ourselves get bogged down with the bat early in the innings and we were never going to be able to catch up from there I think.
“Some positive signs with the ball early and with the bat late, but the players just need to be at their best for longer.”
This weekend Waaia will face a tough trip to Katandra, while Karramomus will continue its hunt for its first win of the season when the Bloods travel to Howley Oval to take on Tatura.