Kyabram’s mission to claim a maximum points win — and an 11th hour spot in Cricket Shepparton’s Haisman Shield finals — looked shaky after the first day’s play of the final home and away round on Saturday.
But by the end of play Kyabram had the visitors Karramomus 4-67 chasing its first innings score of 171 declared, but it needs quick wickets when the game resumes this Saturday to be a chance to steal the outright win it may need to book a finals spot.
The Mueller brothers Cade, with a top score of 35 after being promoted to first drop, and Kyle (31) were the only contributors in Kyabram’s top order after Kyabram was sent into bat on Saturday.
But Angus McKenzie (27) Ethan Hart (21) and Charlie McLay and Louis Sabbagh-Holt, both with handy 13s, were able to boost Kyabram’s score late to 9-171 declared.
Kyabram snapped up three quick wickets in Karramomus’ first innings, but Zac Groombridge with an unbeaten 18 and Nathan Jones with 17 not out defied the Kyabram bowlers late in the day.
· Ladder leader Kyabram still has some work to do with the bat against Karramomus in B-grade despite a top spell of bowling by Jason Parsons.
After Nic Chambers and Connor McLeod had taken early wickets Parsons stepped up to take 4-21 off 11.5 overs and help dismiss the home side for 131.
But in reply Kyabram lost openers Jason Leocata and Parsons and will resume its innngs this Saturday at 2-33.
· In E-grade Kyabram collected the premiership points against bottom side Murchison, but not before a huge fright.
Kyabram wickets were tumbling freely in the run chase to cover Murchison’s score of 8-156 before Paul Wickham changed the course of the game with a match-winning knock of 96.
Then a late stand between Rhys Parsons (24) and Andrew Porch (26 not out) ensured the Kyabram win.
There are two more games in this grade before finals.