Taylor Beard and Charlie Hinks’ 132-run partnership proved telling in the one-day clash, with the duo combining after the fourth wicket to guide Echuca to its fourth consecutive win.
Beard blasted 77 runs as Echuca posted 5/222 in the one-day clash, with Hinks providing an unbeaten 50.
Echuca’s bowlers were ruthless in defence of their total, with Brendan Moyle and Rylea Jones claiming the lion’s share of the wickets as the Nondies-Cohuna batting line-up sputtered to 9/97 in reply.
But in the inaugural match-up between the two sides in Goulburn Murray Cricket, Nondies-Cohuna landed the first blow.
Batting first, Echuca opener Brendan Moyle fell to Peter Moore on the third ball of the day in a bright start for Nondies, before Matt Hinks and Adam Jones steadied at the crease.
Jones’ dismissal for 28 brought Kobyn James to the crease, combining for a 29-run stand with Hinks.
Both were dismissed in quick succession with Echuca suddenly 4/87, but Beard and Hinks’ destructive partnerships propelled them past the 200-run mark.
Moore had the best luck with the ball for Nondies-Cohuna, finishing with figures of 2/30 off his nine overs.
On the other side of the card, Rylea Jones continued his strong year with the ball.
Jones pried away the wickets of the Nondies-Cohuna top order and was at one stage on a hat-trick with the wickets of Sam and Will O’Shea, Moore being the other victim of Jones’ spell.
Simon Maddox (1/13) and Rory Carlisle (2/20) each claimed a wicket to reduce Nondies-Cohuna to 5/51, while Moyle (3/19) helped reduce their opposition to 9/97.
Echuca has now catapulted itself to the top of the A-grade ladder, and at the time of writing were locked in battle with Kyabram Fire Brigade in the much-anticipated grand final rematch.
Player of the match
Taylor Beard continued his fine season with another half-century, whacking eight boundaries in his 77-run innings.
