Archer Carlile was the star for Echuca in the grand final, making 71 not out in the first innings before taking 2-10 in the second. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Twelve months ago, Echuca faced Stanhope in the Bill Williams Goulburn B-grade shield grand final, with Stanhope claiming the silverware.
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This year, it was the Echuca players who raised the Goulburn Murray Cricket shield, downing the Lions by 73 runs in the decider at Moama Recreation Reserve.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Echuca found itself in early trouble when Danyon Stockdale removed opener Rhys Varcoe with the final ball of the opening over.
A run out added to the pressure, but the following partnerships featuring Connor Shannon, Archer Carlile and Ben Henson would prove vital in Echuca’s title effort.
Shannon and Carlile added 34 for the third wicket, bringing the total to 3-63, before Carlile combined with Henson for a 76-run partnership.
Echuca was desperate for runs late in its innings.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
The pair got Echuca most of the way to its eventual total of 6-181, Carlile (71 not out) sticking around to the end with Thomas Kerr, who chipped in a quick 14 from five deliveries, including capping the innings with a six over the rope.
Shannon (39) and Henson (31) contributed valuable runs through the top and middle order.
The Stanhope bowling effort was led by Bradd Stewart, who took 2-39, while Stockdale (1-31) and Craig Emmett (1-23) were the other wicket-takers.
Needing 182 to retain the trophy, the Lions’ chase never really posed a significant threat.
While runs were being scored at a reasonable rate, too often a wicket put an end to a promising innings.
Five batsmen reached the teens and a top score of only 18, recorded at the top of the order by Emmett, told the story of a stunted Lions chase.
Stanhope was slowly ground down by Echuca, with the side claiming the title in the 31st over, snaring the last wicket with the Lions on 108.
In a remarkable bowling effort, all six used bowlers took at least one wicket, with Jack Evans the leader, taking 3-21 while Archer Carlile was the other to strike more than once, grabbing 2-10.
The Game
Echuca 6-181 (Archer Carlile 71 not out, Coonor Shannon 39, Ben Henson 31, Bradd Stewart 2-39) defeated Stanhope 108 (Craig Emmett 18, Jack Evans 3-21, Archer Carlile 2-10)
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