Haisman Shield ǀ Cats lean on experience in dominant win over United

A heroic opening stand from United’s Mitchell Jarrett and captain Chaminda Vidanapathirana saw off the Cats’ openers, with Vidanapathirana raising his bat to mark an impressive half-century.

It wasn’t until the 20th over that Mooroopna found the breakthrough, a fine piece of bowling from Simon D'Elia luring Jarrett out of his crease, allowing keeper Brady Mulcahy to dismantle his stumps.

Cats coach Zanchetta was full of praise for his fellow quicks, but also his spinners, who proved vital in breaking down United’s early resistance.

“Willy bowled outstandingly, I think I was a bit loose early on, our spinners really brought it back though, it was pretty conducive to spin and we were very lucky with our two quality spinners and they pulled it right back for us and took a couple of key wickets,” he said.

Some impressive fielding duly supported the strong bowling performance, which limited United to 154, capping a complete Cats display in the first innings.

“Everyone chipped in — a couple of nice run-outs — Jack Gaskill got a really nice run-out from the boundary,” Zanchetta said.

“Just a really good solid win, without being too pretty, just did what we needed to do to get the win.”

A vital knock from Jac Smith-Williams at first drop was enough to steady the ship during the run chase, as he finished on an unbeaten 59.

“He’s had a bit of a lean trot before Christmas, but the game before Christmas and this game he’s really started to hit his stride and he’s starting to look like the player that we got last year,” Zanchetta said.

“It’s a really good sign with six weeks to go in the season that he’s starting to hit form now.”

The all-round capabilities and broader depth of this Cats side is perhaps what makes it the biggest threat to its Haisman Shield contenders — it’s something Zanchetta says the brains trust at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve has tried to instil into the culture of the group from day one.

“We said it last year and it’s the same this year, we carry no passengers in our side, we believe that each individual in our side can win us the game on their day, we’re very lucky in that aspect that we’ve got a very all-round side.”