Grand finalists rip into high gear in Goulburn Murray women’s round one action

Mooroopna took on first duties in the morning, clashing with Kyabram on neutral territory and electing to set the pace with the bat.

The Redbacks could hardly have wished for a better start as opening bowler Eliza Linehan removed Charlie Nicholson with the season’s first ball.

However, it was apparent before long that this was an aberration as the Cats firmly dug in, with Gemma Boyd finding the rope on three occasions during a quick-fire knock of 25.

Kyabram may have struck first, but Mooroopna was hitting back frequently and furiously — particularly the unbeaten partnership between Lauren Hall and Amani Issell, taking the Cats from 4-86 into scoring territory rarely seen last season.

Hall and Issell combined for nine fours on their merry way, each finding the 30-run plateau as Mooroopna closed out a barnstorming innings at 5-150, a score only eclipsed since entering the league by a whopping 209 against Nathalia last season.

Ten Kyabram bowlers ultimately failed to contain the runaway Cats, with everyone in blue other than keeper Ava Wood also deployed with the ball as the chase began.

Turnabout was fair play as Amelia Gall knocked over the stumps of opener Melissa Parsons before a run was scored, but unlike in the first innings, the tone was very much set from there.

Hope Irvine lived up to her name as the sole guiding light at the crease for the visitors in providing the day’s top score with 41 unbeaten across two stints after retiring not out.

The raft of Cats bowlers took turns stifling Kyabram out of the contest, making breakthroughs in a rhythm to leave the contest sorted well ahead of time.

Wood may have been the only Mooroopna player not to roll the arm over, but she was busy and then some with a hand in no fewer than three run outs and a catch behind.

Bowling around the valiant Irvine expertly, last year’s runner-up made the perfect start once again by skittling its foes for 71, securing a dominant 79-run victory.

Speaking post-match, Mooroopna’s Ebony Sleeth paid tribute to the handy work done between the wickets to leave Kyabram regretting taking on the Cats’ arms.

“Our fielding was pretty strong,” Sleeth said.

“Obviously Hope is an unreal player and she’s hard to manage, but adjusting to the way she bats, Lauren (Hall) does that really well with setting the field.

“After what happened last year (in the grand final), we know anything can happen, so we expect the unexpected.

“The coaches do their research, but as players we’ll take it week by week.”

Issell was similarly optimistic with one big win in the column.

“It was a good way to start the season,” Issell said.

“Coming off the loss of the granny, we’re holding our heads high.

“It’s good to have a variety of good bowlers and batters to have everyone play their role.

“It’s good to get this start today, but we don’t want to be too cocky or excited, so we’ll just focus on the way we play.”

Within line of sight was Shepparton Youth Club United taking on Nagambie on the adjacent pitch and the Combine took similarly strong strides on opening day.

After restricting the Lakers to 8-68 despite Kait Carracher’s typical steely efforts, Mel Saunders was cracking the bat like nobody’s business with an unbeaten 47 as her side strolled to a six-wicket win.

Elsewhere, reigning premier Echuca kept a clean sheet in a ruthless display away to Katamatite, putting a shackle on the Tigers and chasing only 59 to win — which openers Maisy Byrne and Gillian Noelker accomplished without loss.

Clean bowling was the difference as Rochester took on Bamawm-Lockington United at Windridge Oval, with the home side benefitting from 17 BLU wides and nine no-balls in an eventual 22-run triumph.

Lastly, a Cooma forfeit handed Nathalia points on opening day.