The Blues staved off a hungry Shepparton United in search of its maiden win of the campaign by three runs at Numurkah Showgrounds.
The hosts successfully defended their total of 7-157, with United left stranded on 7-154 from 45 overs.
United captain Chaminda Vidanapathirana (52 runs) tried his hardest to deliver the club its first win with a classy half-century, but it was Numurkah playing coach Michael Eckard who had other ideas.
The reigning Lightfoot medallist claimed 4-32 — including the crucial wicket of Vidanapathirana — to keep the Blues locked inside the A-grade ladder after 12 rounds.
“Things got pretty tight at the end there. It was nerve-racking stuff,” Numurkah skipper Dylan Grandell said.
“At the last drinks break United was only two down and needed 50-odd to win. Michael was able to get the breakthrough and dismissed Chaminda. They needed 15 off the last two overs and then four from the last ball.
“I’m glad to walk away with the win.
“Full credit to United; they were unlucky not to come away with the win. They bowled well and didn’t give us much and Chaminda was a standout with the bat.
“I’m sure they will get one or two (wins) before the season ends.”
On a flat deck that rewarded patient batters, Numurkah posted 157 thanks to Grandell (47 runs) and Liam Gledhill.
Gledhill, in his first game back from injury, hit a vital run-a-ball 24 to give his side a defendable total.
“It was Flipper’s first game back in a while and he was massive for us to get us to 157. It’s always nice to have him in your side,” Grandell said.
“He broke his finger in December and was going to come back through B-grade, but we had a few unavailable so he stepped in.”
United gave itself every chance of chasing down the target, with three of its four top-order bats reaching 30 runs.
Vidanapathirana and Tyler Green (38 runs) combined for a stellar 64-run partnership, before United’s coach Mahesh Kodamullage (30) chipped in with an important knock.
However, some brilliance from Eckard and his outfit’s youngsters in the field had United lose 5-12.
Grandell praised the performance of the star all-rounder following the win.
“He’s a class act. He was superb bowling at the death and he hardly bowled a bad delivery,” he said.
“He’s been unlucky with the ball all season, so it was nice to see him get some reward on Saturday.
“It wasn’t the most convincing (win), but I’m just proud of the way the boys hung in there.
“I was really happy with how the younger guys performed as well. Bailey (Roberts) pulled off a very crucial run-out and Pricey (Matthew Price) did a great job with the gloves. The way they kept their composure was massive.”
THE GAME
Numurkah 7-157 (Dylan Grandell 47, Bailey Smith 24, Liam Gledhill 24 not out, Wajhe Bangesh 3-26, Connor Green 2-21) d Shepparton United 7-154 (Chaminda Vidanapathirana 52, Tyler Green 38, Michael Eckard 4-32)
STAR PLAYER
Michael Eckard (Numurkah): It was another quality effort from the gun all-rounder. A handy 23 with the bat was followed with his match-winning 4-32, which included the scalps of United’s class batters.
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