Sport

Kyabram on the charge

By Gus Underwood

Feb 6, 2024

Thundering in: Kyabram's Jackson McLay during his three-over spell. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Kyabram kept itself in the Cricket Shepparton Hasman Shield finals race on Saturday after its best batter turned match-winner with the ball.

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Kyabram skipper Kyle Mueller introduced himself to the attack after six bowlers were having trouble in stemming the run flow of Old Students who had reached 4-139 with enough overs left to seriously challenge Kyabram’s handsome score of 8-250.

Key Old Students batter Felix Odell was still at the crease with a half-century to his credit, but Mueller quickly swung the game back in his team’s favour by claiming 4-34 off 8.4 overs with his left-arm off-spinners. It triggered an Old Students batting collapse which resulted in them coming up 41 short in their run chase.

Odell was one of his victims.

‘‘It was a turning wicket and both sides used four spinners. I haven’t bowled for two years,’’ Mueller said.

Earlier in the game veteran Paul Parsons continued his stellar season with the bat for Kyabram, making a commanding 82 which took his season tally to 459.

Parsons and opening partner Tim Nelson produced an opening stand of 124 which laid the foundation for the team‘s healthy score.

Parsons faced 63 balls and smashed 12 fours and two sixes, while Nelson offered solid support with 38 off 78 deliveries.

After the dismissals of Parsons and Nelson the Kyabram score was topped up by Mueller with 36 and Angus McKenzie whose 28 not out off nine balls contained four sixes.

Kyabram takes on ladder leader Waaia in a two-day clash at Waaia starting this Saturday in the penultimate home and away round.

·After winning the toss and electing to bat Kyabram‘s B-grade team’s 174 runs was enough to secure it a comfortable win over Old Students.

Opener Jason Parsons top scored with 47 off 63 deliveries, while Jayden Fitzgerald (31), Jack Young (29) and Troy Thompson (21) built Kyabram’s score to a competitive total.

In reply Old Students could manage only 115 with Nic Chambers, Tom Holman, Connor McLeod and Mason McDonald sharing the wickets with two each.

·Kyabram’s E-grade side came up short against Mooroopna which posted 6-229 with Rhys Parsons the only multiple wicket-taker with 2-18 off six overs.

Kyabram’s batters put up a good fight to reach 9-181 without ever challenging their rival’s score.

Opener Dylan Lopez top scored with 45 and got most support from Marc Coates (37) and Paul Wickham (33).