Back-to-back delight: Cobram Cricket Club capped off an emphatic undefeated year on the field by taking out the Murray Valley Cricket Association A-grade title at the weekend. The dominant eight-wicket win over Katamatite saw the Tigers defend their crown and go back-to-back. Picture: Andrew Hogan
The Cobram Cricket Club’s A-grade outfit went back-to-back as it capped off an extraordinary year on the field at the weekend.
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The Tigers’ emphatic eight-wicket blitz over Katamatite in Saturday’s final ensured they finished the Murray Valley Cricket Association A-grade season undefeated.
Cobram, the pre-match favourite, stunned Katamatite thanks to a memorable performance from Tyron Baden.
The talented all-rounder collected a sublime 6-14 on his way to player-of-the-match honours.
Baden’s efforts with the ball were almost matched by teammate and wicketkeeper Lewis McShane, who held on to six catches and led the Tigers to victory with a classy unbeaten 45.
The Tigers’ bowling and fielding has been a hallmark of their success all season long and it proved to be the difference between the two outfits in the decider at Cobram Showgrounds.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the group. To go back-to-back and finish the year undefeated, it shows why they are the best team in the competition,” Cobram coach Adam Harwood said.
“Our bowling really smothered them for runs, I think there was 17 maidens bowled in the first 20-odd overs. Our fielding was top-notch, it has been all season long.
“Going through undefeated is a massive achievement and I’m very proud.”
After winning the toss, Cobram elected to bowl first.
And straight away Katamatite found itself in a world of trouble.
Cobram’s opening quicks Adam De Cicco (2-10) and James Daniel (1-18) bowled superbly and dried up the runs, putting Katty under pressure.
Once Baden was tossed the ball, he immediately wreaked havoc which left Katamatite reeling at 6-32.
Katty captain Brayden Beaton tried to fly the flag with 29 runs, but his outfit was ultimately bundled all out for 80 from 48 overs.
Harwood applauded the nine overs, five maidens and six-wicket performance from Baden.
“Tyron had the ball on a string all day. It was a pretty special performance,” he said.
“He had a bit of a point to prove (missing out on team-of-the-year selection) and he bowled unbelievably well.
“He just bowls a tight length every time and it makes the batter play.”
Class act: Tyron Baden leaves the field after his impressive six-wicket haul in the grand final. Picture: Andrew Hogan
Despite an early wicket in the run-chase, Cobram was able to chase down the target with relative ease.
Shaun Downie (26 runs) and McShane (45 off 71 deliveries) combined for a 57-run partnership.
McShane remained not out at the crease to help guide his outfit to victory.
“Any other day and Lewis is the one who comes off with the best-on medal,” Harwood said.
“He is turning into a very mature wicketkeeper-batsman and once he gets going he’s very hard to stop.”
Harwood highlighted the tight bond between the playing group, with the majority of the 11 now two-time premiership players.
“They are a really united team. They are all good mates and get along really well,” he said.
“We have got about nine all-rounders and so each week someone may miss out but they are a pretty selfless group. They are a great group to be around.”
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