The Blues lifted themselves into the top six with a final-round win over Kyabram, finishing fifth and earning a crack at Mooroopna in the first weekend of finals action.
Michael Eckard was once again the star attraction at Numurkah Showgrounds, finishing with 3-31 — including four maidens — from his nine overs before hitting an unbeaten 47 to steer his side over the line.
With the Redbacks winning the toss and batting first, Numurkah tried out a new tactic to swashbuckling opener Paul Newman — spin from the first ball of the innings.
No other Haisman Shield outfit has opened with spin against Kyabram this summer.
And while Eckard's maiden over did not claim the wicket of Newman, his dismissal by Matt Cline in the next over set the Blues on the path to victory.
“It was something we had thought about,” Numurkah captain Dylan Grandell said.
“Our deck has a bit of bounce and turn, especially with the new ball coming onto the bat.
“We just thought we'd try it — if you don't try something different against a guy like Paul Newman he's going to hit you all over the park pretty quickly.
“Ecky bowled a maiden and then Newman chopped on the next over.
“Ecky really has been outstanding for us this season, with about 350 runs and 20 wickets in a shortened season he's going to be right up there on Lightfoot Medal night. He's so important to our side in this kind of form.”
Cade Mueller (42 from 88 deliveries) and Angus McKenzie (30 from 30) gave Kyabram hope with a total of 122, but Eckard, Liam Gledhill (3-19) and Cline (2-23) were able to take consistent wickets throughout the innings.
Numurkah openers Grandell (35) and Tim Braybon (27) put on 57 for the first wicket before Eckard finished the job in the 30th over.
Alec Young (2-16) was the pick of the Redbacks bowlers.
“It was a really good performance against a pretty good side,” Grandell said.
“It was nice knowing our fate was in our hands, and if we couldn't beat a top six side like Kyabram we didn't deserve to be playing finals anyway.
“We'll go into finals with no pressure on us, we've got a pretty different side to the last couple of years.
“There's still plenty of experience, but a good mix of new guys who are really keen for a crack at finals cricket.”
Kyabram finished in sixth spot and takes on Nagambie this weekend.
THE GAME
Kyabram 122 (Cade Mueller 42, Angus McKenzie 30, Liam Gledhill 3-19, Michael Eckard 3-31) lt Numurkah 3-123 (Michael Eckard 47 not out, Dylan Grandell 35, Alec Young 2-16).
STAR PLAYER
Michael Eckard (Numurkah): Michael Eckard, Lightfoot medallist — it has a nice ring to it. Blues skipper Dylan Grandell thinks so at least, with Eckard's match-winning 3-31 and 47 not out again drawing high praise.
LISTEN - MMG PODCASTS
After The Jack - Stanhope's Ben Fletcher joins the show
After The Jack | Tallygaroopna’s Mark Ryan joins the show ahead of finals
After The Jack - Finals fever and BPL action in the air
After The Jack - East Shepparton coach Brent Reiner joins the show
Alou Kuol has blazed the path - now more regional talent is set to follow his lead
Surviving, then thriving - Peter Le Sueur's story
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