Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve did not play host to a day for the batters.
In the end, though, Numurkah will take the competition points any way it can get them after a vital Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield win over Northerners had the Blues raise their hands for the first time in more than two months.
After a seemingly white-hot start to the league fizzled quickly, Numurkah has at last achieved the elusive task ― although it was by no means a simple equation.
One of two Haisman Shield contests to have fewer than 50 overs in round nine, the day’s play had 17 wickets fall at an average of less than nine runs, reflecting a one-sided deck that even made Northerners’ meagre 71 a tricky task to manage.
Tim Arnel and Liam Gledhill’s 21-run efforts were the day’s top knocks, which were both vital as poles fell in every direction.
Numurkah might have seen dollar signs in the eyes after dismissing the home side for a meek total, with Ragu Aravinthan and his three wickets starring in the early going.
THE GAME
Northerners 71 (Stuart Turner 16, Jake Davidson 16, Raguvaran Aravinthan 3-14, Mitch Grandell 2-10) lt Numurkah 7-75 (Tim Arnel 21, Liam Gledhill 21, Josh Sidebottom 3-14, Zavier Davidson 2-1)
STAR PLAYER
Raguvaran Aravinthan (Numurkah): It was a bowlers’ day and Aravinthan was in his element despite the unusual position of opening. His highly economical spell laid the groundwork for a very gettable victory target.
The first sign of trouble in the Blues’ chase came five balls in, with Jordan O’Dwyer off the park for a golden duck.
Once skipper Arnel arrived at the crease with his side 3-18, this looked like a genuine contest that became his responsibility to put back on track.
Josh Sidebottom’s figures will enhance his presence in the upper echelon of bowlers, but Stuart Turner’s side will rue this missed opportunity following a recent resurgence.
Pre-match favourite or not, Numurkah will scoop the six points and run.
“It was the first really complete performance we’ve produced for the last three games, and it was really pleasing to produce that when we needed to,” Arnel said.
“I’ve put the heat on the boys to execute our plans and we did that really, really well.
“I was talking to the groundsman and he said they got 86mm of rain during the week, so it wasn’t such a Tally-type pitch as it’s usually a fair wicket.
“They did well to get it to the standard that it was. It was a slow pitch and really hard to force the issue on, so shot selection was key.”
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Keep it tidy: Numurkah wicket-keeper Joshua O'Dwyer takes a simple ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 10
Get set, go: Numurkah's Matt Cline steaming in. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 10
Keep it off the rope: Numurkah's Riley Dawson looks like he wants to drop punt the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 10
Straight bat: Northerners' Lachlan Vassallo plays defensively. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 10
Looking on: Numurkah's Jordan O'Dwyer keeps vigilant. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 10
Back to the bowler: Numurkah's Tim Braybon completes his field work. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 10
Going for it: Northerners' Lachlan Vassallo looks to sweep. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 10
Fundamentals: Northerners' Bayden Hutchins survives another ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 10
Change of ends: Numurkah's James Du Toit takes the ball with him. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 10
Triple threat: Numurkah's Raguvaran Aravinthan is earmarked as a more than capable fielder. Photo by Megan FisherThough life hasn’t been easy for Numurkah’s set of imports with the bat, Aravinthan’s early damage with the ball set the stage wonderfully for a restricted run chase.
“I asked Ragu to open the bowling and he really rushed the batsmen early with the new ball,” Arnel said.
“He executed well and I was proud of what he could do.
“He can bat, bowl and field, and he’s too good of a cricketer not to score some big runs in the future.
“He’s been great for our team.”