In total chaos to end day one, the Mowers managed to strike thrice and catapult Echuca South into its middle order before the chase even really began.
However, this didn’t seem to faze incumbent batsman Ben Eade too much as he looked rock-solid to begin the day’s play.
Nicholas McKenner, on the other hand, retreated into his shell and struggled to break out of a defensive mindset, facing 53 deliveries and adding just a couple more runs to his tally before captain Anthony McMahon struck him lbw.
That was one of the few highlights during a long day in the field for Moama, as Eade and Rathika Rajakumara dissected the Mowers’ bowling attack.
The pair managed to pull the Swans out of peril and put on a 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with both batsmen finding scoring options across the ground.
The duo took the side from 4-28 to 5-145 by the time Eade (67) was caught by Simon Porter off Mitchell Stephens’ bowling, with the end well and truly in sight for the visitors.
Eade’s half-century at number four came about over a patient 177 deliveries that included six fours and a six.
That breakthrough was Moama’s last, as Rajakumara continued to go about his business, aided well by Tristan Watson.
They were on the cusp of a 50-run partnership when they got their side over the line in 77 overs, taking their time to make sure they both made it to the end.
Rajakumara’s unbeaten 82 off 174 was a testament to the required blend of patience and aggression required for a deep chase, while Watson’s cameo of 27 not out from 32 balls gave his side the juice necessary to get to the target in time.
In retrospect, McMahon’s declaration was a double-edged sword. On one hand, if he let the in-form tail-enders continue to bat out day one, they would’ve had a target, presumably over 200.
However, they may not have taken those key late wickets that put the Swans on the back foot heading into day two.
All of that is irrelevant now as Moama has retained third position and will feature in the finals once more, coming up against a wrecking ball in the semi-finals in the form of Echuca, who will be a tough proposition on its home deck.
The Game
Moama 9(dec)-191 (Matt Saunders 50, Fraser Buchanan 31, Tristan Watson 4-60) lost to Echuca South 5-192 (Rathika Rajakumara 82 not out, Ben Eade 67, Anthony McMahon 2-12)
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