That has been plan B through to Z for Katandra in the past decade and by current form it could continue into 2030.
Riordan was the catalyst behind the Eagles’ late surge into finals after a comprehensive victory over Shepparton Youth Club United in round 13 at Katandra Recreation Reserve.
After stumbling at the final few hurdles in the lead-up to March, Katandra has secured a last-gasp ticket into the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield finals.
Riordan’s 106 not out on the first day’s play set the tone for Katandra on its home deck and pushed its tally out to a competitive 205.
Coming into the second day’s play, Riordan’s influence on the must-win match couldn’t be stopped as the star veteran weaved his web of deceit with the ball to claim 5-25 in the first innings.
Shepparton Youth Club United was skittled for 71 early on Saturday, bringing the possibility of an outright victory onto Katandra’s cards.
On a relatively flat wicket, United lost 9-43 in a batting collapse away from home.
The visitor was promptly sent back in to bat and showed much more resolve in the second dig.
Opening batters Jake Callow (16 runs of 26 balls) and Sam Nash (53 off 76) started their side off on the right foot.
Meanwhile, import Seb Menzhausen produced his fourth 50 of the season as he struck a calculated 50 not out off 132 balls against Katandra's deadly bowling attack.
Menzhausen has impressed during his first campaign on Australian shores as he finished the season with 371 runs at an average of 28.54 and a high score of 70.
Shepparton Youth Club United’s batting slowly fell apart after the opening three batters, however, the visitor fought valiantly to remain not out at stumps on 8-159.
THE GAME
Katandra 205 (Andrew Riordan 106*, Ben Pedretti 28, Sam Nash 3-28) d Shepparton Youth Club United 71 (Sam Nash 18, Andrew Riordan 5-25, Seth Westley 3-10) and 8-159 (Sam Nash 53, Seb Menzhausen 50*, Seth Westley 3-19)
STAR PLAYER
Andrew Riordan (Katandra): The Eagles’ understated star has been a lifesaver for his side this summer. Riordan’s first ton of the season came at the perfect moment for the Eagles, while his 5-25 in the next dig was the icing on the cake. A friendly reminder that Riordan is still one of the premier cricketers in the region as the Haisman Shield rolls into two-day finals.
The result means Shepparton Youth Club United finishes in 11th place with two wins and a no-result from 12 games this season.
Katandra’s 2024-25 season continues thanks to Riordan’s heroics as the Eagles hunt for another Haisman Shield flag.
Ryleigh Shannon’s men finished the home and away season in fifth spot on the ladder.
The Eagles will travel to Nagambie Recreation Reserve on Saturday and Sunday to take on Nagambie in the opening round of finals.
Nagambie’s home deck is known to be a highly bowler-friendly wicket, so Katandra will need its quartet of quicks (Seth Westley, Corey Hickford, Hadleigh Sirett and Sam Green) fit and firing if it is to conquer the Lakers.
And if Riordan can continue his magic with the bat and ball that won’t hurt either.
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