Katamatite Tigers were out for retribution in round six of the Murray Valley Cricket Association at the weekend.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
It’s fair to say that up until round six of the Murray Valley Cricket Association, the Katamatite Tigers had unfinished business with their Barooga counterparts.
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And, on Saturday, November 16, finishing with 3/159 over visitors Barooga’s 9/157, it was business they settled in fine fashion.
Sam Leigh clips the ball off his pads for the visitors.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Katamatite coach Mark Haberfield said it was fantastic to notch the win after the Tigers’ one-wicket upset loss to Barooga in last season’s semi-final.
“It’s good to see a result like that come through,” he said.
“To have six A-graders under the age of 18 years old, and produce that result, is a testament to their training and their commitment to their game.
“It was a proud moment for me as coach to have those kids out there and getting the results like we did.”
Good things come in threes, and Archie Erickson, Giordan Lukies and Darcy Edis made their first appearances in A-grade cricket for a Katamatite side led once again by returned captain Brandon Nicholls.
With the mercury steady at the 37°C mark, conditions were far from cool as Barooga won the toss and elected to bat.
Ethan Bovalina and Murphy Stevens opened the batting for the visitors but didn’t last long as Katamatite’s Haberfield and fellow opening bowler Ben Lukies had Barooga reeling at 2/7.
Jonathon Oliver combined with Zach Dunn to take the score to 64 before Kepler Lukies made the breakthrough for the Tigers, having Oliver caught by Nicholls for 31.
Dunn continued on his merry way, making 57 being before being caught by Erickson off the bowling of Nicholls to leave Barooga 7/134.
Zach Dunn swings for the fences after a delivery from Katamatite’s Ben Lukies.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Barooga ended its innings on 9/157 from 45 overs.
Despite losing opener Oliver Mynard for a duck, Katamatite was soon in control of the run chase — due in large part to a stellar performance from Tyler Green, who made an unbeaten 101 from 118 deliveries.
Haberfield said Green’s innings was exceptional, and a credit to his fitness and understanding of the game.
Green proved a fatal thorn in Barooga’s side, with his knock including 15 fours and a six.
Katamatite passed Barooga’s total in the 39th over, easing to a comfortable seven-wicket win.
Katamatite veteran Brayden Beaton bowls to Barooga’s Sam Leigh.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Haberfield said his side was looking to back up its victory this weekend against Berrigan at Berrigan.
“They’re young, they’re fit, they’re keen,” he said of Katamatite’s first 11.
“They’re in the side for a reason.”
His message for his players was simple.
“Just go out there and execute your skill,” he said.
Barooga president Sam Leigh said his side batted well but lost a couple of wickets in clumps.
“We’re just lacking that bit of experience and depth in our side at the moment,” he said.
“We’re developing our kids ... and I think we’re on the right track.”
He said there were a few notable performances on the day.
“Zach Dunn batted really well, Jono Oliver batted really well,” he said.
“Young Kohen Haddrell (who took 1/15 off five overs) … bowled really well. He’s going to be a very good cricketer when he grows up and learns a bit more.”
In round five of B-grade action, Barooga (10/42) fell to Nathalia (10/189) by 147 runs. Meanwhile, Katamatite sank the Swans by nine wickets — 1/138 to Katunga’s 8/134.
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