Fraser Buchanan was Moama’s top scorer in round one. Photo: Bruce Povey
Moama will have an uphill battle ahead of tit in round two of the John McMahon Shield when it faces BLU at home on Saturday.
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Following round one, Moama will look to secure its first win of the season after falling to Echuca South last weekend.
It will be without captain and opening batsman Joel Murphy as his injury status is still up in the air after he was forced to retire hurt against the Swans.
Meanwhile, BLU appears to be the dark horse of the competition in 2024-25 after making the semi-finals last season and starting this campaign strongly with a win over reigning champions Echuca.
Regis Chakabva appears to be the X-factor for BLU and if he gets off to a strong start, it could spell disaster for Moama whose depth at the top of the order has thinned following Murphy’s absence.
In comparison Moama doesn’t tend to rely on two or three players to stand up every game, instead it has a tendency to win by committee when it matters.
For instance, the last time it played the Lions, in last season’s semi-final, Moama got off to a rocky start before its numbers five and six, Anthony McMahon and Matt Saunders, saved the first innings, scoring 58 and 57 respectively.
Jeremy Felmingham looked in great touch against Echuca in round one. Photo: Aidan Briggs
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Aidan Briggs
But, to be fair to BLU, it is going to be difficult to beat, especially playing at home for the second week in a row.
The Lions’ Jeremy Felmingham brought Echuca to its knees in the first innings as he was involved in six of its 10 dismissals, claiming four scalps, a catch and a run out.
When it was BLU’s turn to bat, it was opener Liam Hamilton and first drop, Chakabva, who powered their side to victory, scoring 38 and 69 respectively, the latter being the highest individual score of the round.
Meanwhile, at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, Moama struggled to put runs on the board in the first innings, with first drop Fraser Buchanan top scoring with his hard-fought 30.
Opener Russell Stockdale was the only other player to score above 20 for Moama, belting a quick-fire 23 before being dismissed.
Moama’s bowling efforts against the Swans were as a team, with five different bowlers claiming a wicket each before Echuca South won the game.
Time at the crease will be vital for both sides if they are to win the Saturday clash, which could go a long way in revealing the true nature of both teams early on in the season.
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