Haisman Shield | Gallery | ‘Masterful’ Andrew Riordan knock guides Katandra past Central Park-St Brendan’s

The Eagles’ bowling line-up then picked up where the batting unit left off, with six wickets between spin kings James Lythgoe (3-20) and Jedd Wright (3-35) having them dismiss the star-studded Central Park side for 169.

The major scalp Katandra was seeking in the lead-up to the finals series, skipper Ben Clurey said he was pleased to see his side put in a complete performance against one of the competition’s top teams.

“It was very good on all fronts really, we were very keen to test ourselves against Central Park and to put in a complete performance it was fantastic,” Clurey said.

“I would say that was comfortably our best win of the season so far, we executed our game plan perfectly from putting together a big first innings total to being ruthless with the ball.

“The performance gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Winning the toss and batting first in beautiful conditions at the batter-friendly Deakin Reserve, the Eagles started positively with Clurey (30) and James Dawson (29) managing to find the rope early.

But just at it looked like Katandra was about to take control, the Tigers struck back, as young gun Mason Reeves removed Clurey before some sharp fielding by Rhiley Lau had the dangerous Wright run out for a duck.

Strolling to the crease with his side at 2-44, all hopes of a big first innings total now rested on the bat of Riordan and, according to his skipper, the veteran could not have played a more composed innings.

“It was just a masterful knock, he made that 95 with absolute ease and I don’t think he gave a chance until he got out,” Clurey said.

“It’s so good to have Riordo back at the club this year, we probably lacked that one quality bat last year and he certainly fits that role.

“When Jedd went out for a duck we could still take a lot of comfort knowing someone of Riordo’s quality was coming out to bat and he just put together as complete an innings as you’ll see.”

But while Riordan was hitting them beautifully at one end, the Eagles needed someone else from the middle order to stand up and provide support.

And on this occasion it was wicketkeeper Nathan Hickey who stood up, with his 50 off 49 proving the perfect foil for his in-form teammate.

“That partnership between Nathan and Riordo was probably what decided the match in the end,” Clurey said.

“They did a great job of firstly solidifying the situation and getting their eye in before letting loose towards the end and hitting some boundaries.

“When they got going it was great cricket to watch.”

With an imposing 244 on the board, the Eagles bowlers were then tasked with finishing the job against one of the most formidable batting units going around.

And as they had done all season, they were excellent from start to finish, with all six bowlers playing a role to keep the Tigers from making any serious charge at the target.

“All the bowlers did a terrific job, Corey (Hickford) was excellent opening up, Billy Holmes did a great job, Hadleigh as well and then the spinners were incredible,” Clurey said.

“As a captain it was great to see our guys execute the plans so well and put them under pressure, I’m very lucky to have such a great group of bowlers at my disposal.”

The victory, which was Katandra’s sixth of the season, moves it to 43 points and well and truly in the conversation as a premiership favourite.