Katamatite’s chances of securing its much-needed first-innings points hung in the balance as the side fell to 9-50 chasing Cobram’s 63.
After last week’s first day, on which the home side were all out for 63 from 44.2 overs, and Katamatite five for 40, the visitors were out to get 24 runs to claim their first innings points.
And get those points, Katamatite did, though not without its fair share of stress. After Katamatite’s Ben Beaton and Ben Lukies fell in quick succession to an onslaught from , Cobram appeared on top of the match.
In a thrilling partnership at the bottom of the visitors’ batting order, Cooper Mynard arrived at the crease and made a crucial six runs, while Jim Irvine added his efforts of 24 not out to push Katamatite across the line.
Jimmy Daniel got the home side off on a strong footing with 31 from 59 retired not-out, before Hugh Hyde stepped to the crease and made a respectable 42 from 102.
After further efforts from Lenny Power (37 from 62), Bodey Webb (25 from 61, not-out), and Eamon Hyde (13 from 18, not-out), Cobram ended up with four for 160 after 53 overs. Stumps were called, and the game closed on a stalemate, with Katamatite taking the win from its first innings points.
Katamatite coach Mark Haberfield said it was crucial to get the result.
“In the context of the season it’s massive because it keeps us in contact with the top three teams,” he said.
“The bowling performance was first-rate, and then in the same breath, Cobram’s bowling performance was really good as well to have us nine for 50.”
There were several notable performances from the two days for Haberfield.
“Keplar Lukies for the three for 23 off 18 was exceptional,” Haberfield said.
“Archie Daniel was good straight off the top, taking two early wickets, starting us off. Being 15 years old, it’s fantastic to see him do that for us.”
Speaking of Cooper Mynard and his six runs, Haberfield said, “he’s also one of those up-and-coming opening bowlers, and he (hit the) winning runs on the day.”
With a date with second-placed Nathalia in T20 on Thursday, Katamatite looks to make up for lost ground to retain a berth at finals.
Haberfield said it will be another massive game for the club.
“A good team performance at home against Nathalia at home this Thursday will see the result we expect,” he said.
“We’ve just got to be on our A-game.”
Harry Patterson and Tom Irvine will be returning to the A-grade action, Haberfield confirmed.
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