Echuca chase in the balance against Flames

By Matthew Kappos

Feb 2, 2025

Kyabram Fire Brigade’s Brett Andison makes his ground ahead of the gloves of Echuca wicket-keeper Kobyn James. Photo: Matthew Kappos. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Echuca is chasing first innings points after dismissing Kyabram Fire Brigade on day one of their McMahon Shield round 13 fixture.

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In scorching conditions at Victoria Park, the host elected to send Fire Brigade in after winning the toss.

Tim Nelson enjoyed what Echuca’s bowling attack was throwing up. Photos: Matthew Kappos. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The Flames are in a desperate position in their season, with a loss all but ending their finals hopes, and the opening duo of Miller Griffiths (20) and Tim Nelson (24) did their part in getting Fire Brigade off to a strong start.

The two put on a 33-run partnership before Bohden Learmonth (20) joined Nelson in the middle to add another 38, ticking the Flames along to 71.

Echuca captain Simon Maddox took 1-14. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Learmonth’s dismissal, holing out to mid-on, sparked a run of wickets, with Nelson following soon after.

Brett Andison (9) and Cohan Hooper (8) put in a shift but were removed in the same Kale Edwards over, reducing Fire Brigade to 5-92.

Cohan Hooper thinks better of a quick single. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Kaine Herbert looked to get the scoreboard moving upon his arrival, striking at faster than a run a ball, and was joined by first Shannon Fleming (20) and then captain Robert Salter.

An ill-advised attempted two signalled the end of Herbert’s knock on 35 and put Echuca well into the bowlers.

Easton Carlile fires up after taking the catch that removed Bohden Learmonth. Photo by Matthew Kappos

From 7-151, Fire Brigade was able to make some impact with the tail, Salter adding 11 and Shaun Doolan becoming the fourth batter to make exactly 20 runs, but the Flames’ fire eventually burned out for 186.

Along with his two-wicket over, Edwards also had the first wicket of the day, finishing with a team best 3-40, while six others had one wicket each.

Echuca players thought they heard a nick. Photo by Matthew Kappos

As Fire Brigade wasn’t able to complete its allocated 80 overs, there were still 12 left in the day for Echuca to begin its run chase.

While Brendan Moyle looked to get going early, scoring seven off the first three balls, his partner James Grixti wasn’t so fortunate, gone in the opening over to the bowling of Salter.

Brett Andison and Tim Nelson talk it over. Photo by Matthew Kappos

With no real milestone in sight before stumps, Moyle and new batsman Charlie Hinks batted the rest of the 12 overs, the scoring rate dropping off significantly as the end of play approached.

After surviving 31 balls, disaster struck for Hinks (6) in what would be the final ball of the day, trapped in front by Jackson Barnett who sent his side home on a high.

Anthony Dennis steams in for the host. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Play will resume next Saturday with Echuca on 2-26, Moyle (20 not out) to be joined by a new batsman at the resumption of play.

With Rochester already locking down first innings points against Moama on day one, Echuca will lose top spot if it fails to score the further 161 required to win this game.