Kyabram Fire Brigade is the team to beat in Goulburn Murray Cricket’s annual short-form competition, taking down Echuca in round two to lead the way with one round remaining before finals.
Hosting the green machine at Northern Oval, the Flames escaped with a 13-run victory over Echuca to continue its claim of top-dog status in the 20-over format.
Winning the toss and electing to put runs on the board early on its home deck, Fire Brigade’s young gun Bohden Learmonth anchored the innings at number three, tallying 53 in a 43-ball knock that included four boundaries and two maximums.
Cooper Fawcett was valuable in support, scoring 31 lower down the order, before captain Rob Salter (11 not out) and Wil Harrison (15 not out) guided the team to 6-133 from its 20 overs.
In the second innings, it was Echuca’s opener Kyle Fitzgerald (34) and captain Charlie Hinks (33) at number five that brought the visitor close.
Echuca’s tail failed to wag as Jackson Barnett ran rampant with the ball, taking 3-17 and stifling the visitor, which managed 9-120 from its 20 overs with the bat.
Fire Brigade will turn its attention to the final match of the regular season against Moama at Northern Oval.
All GMC T20 matches in round three are scheduled for a 5pm start on Thursday, December 4.
