B-grade Cricket Shepparton wrap ǀ Pine Lodge skittles Nagambie

By James Kleeman

Dec 20, 2021

Off the pads: Nagambie batter James Brook. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

A devastating performance from Pine Lodge’s bowling brigade swept away a startled Nagambie outfit in round seven of Clyde Young Shield action at the weekend.

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After opting to bat first at Lemnos Reserve, the visitors may have been quickly regretting their decision, with the Lodgers’ using the new ball to dismantle Nagambie’s order as they were eventually toppled for just 28 runs after 15 overs.

Nav Gill was the pick of the Lodgers’ bowlers as he picked up four wickets, while Travis Waters, Ranjithan Thirachchelvan and Devinder Singh all chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Job well done: Ranjithan Thirachchelvan celebrates a wicket with his Pine Lodge teammates. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Central Park-St Brendan’s snagged a surprise win on their home turf against Karramomous.

The Tigers came out swinging at Deakin Reserve and posted 234; Matthew Collins registered a game-high 67 with the blade, while Michael Dann (35) skipper Andrew Butcher ( 29 not out) and Tyrone Bradley (27) offered their support.

The Bloods batted valiantly and they almost breached 200, but the run rate would escape them along the way as they fell for 194 with four balls remaining.

Balance: Devinder Singh fires one down for Pine Lodge. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Kyabram solidified their place in the top three after overcoming Euroa in an important away triumph.

A clinical bowling display from the Redbacks saw Euroa grind out just 90 runs as they were knocked over after 40 overs.

Nicholas Chambers produced another stellar performance with ball in hand, backing up a four-wicket haul at Mooroopa in round six to clinch five Magpies wickets, costing just 13 runs.

Connor McCombe (3-15) was a shining light on a difficult day for Euroa, as the Redbacks found the runs required with five wickets to spare.

Long walk back: Nagambie’s Darby O’Brien heads back to the sheds. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Northerners and Tatura played out an enticing encounter at Frank Howley Oval, with Trent Sidebottom stepping into the B-grade side to produce a classy half-century, helping the Jets to a solid 191-run total.

Heath Fidock re-captured some form with the ball, claiming four Magpies wickets, and backed up his bowling display with a very handy 27 runs to his name.

Facing a tricky total, the Tatura hitters stood tall alongside Fidock, with skipper Peter Watt (49) continuing his impressive batting form to almost reach his half-century, while Glenn Walker compiled 45 in his first match of the season.

Watchful: Nagambie’s Tyler Ritchie sets up for a shot. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Meanwhile, Shepparton United reclaimed top spot after hunting down Old Students’ total at Kialla Park.

United’s Callum Walton put on a clinic with the axe, whacking six maximums as he surged to the score of the round in 81.

He was supported by his skipper in Steven Tate, who produced a half-century in his B-grade debut, with United eventually breaching the Students total with six wickets in hand.

And in the final match-up, Mooroopna tightened their hold on second spot with a 5-wicket home win over Numurkah, Cats bat Joel May leading the run chase as he put 60 on the board.