Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield’s reigning premier lost on the opening day to Nagambie via DLS, but shook off the rust to embark on a marauding seven-game winning streak.
Then along came Numurkah with a point to prove.
After bowling the Redbacks out for 171 on day one, the Blues resumed at 2-56 on Saturday with a pair of in-form bats at the crease.
However, to say Numurkah’s start was smooth would be a lie.
Raguvaran Aravinthan was cleaned bowled for 28 by Jackson McLay in the sixth over of play and McLay was clearly in the mood as he trapped new man Riley Dawson for four.
However, waiting in the wings were Ben Beaumont and Tim Arnel to post a game winning 93-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
The duo carried Numurkah over the line and, though Beaumont eventually met his end on 82, Arnel carried on slashing to earn a hard-fought 68 before holing out.
Connor McLeod (14) was the last wicket to fall by industry of Billy McLay, leaving Matt Cline unbeaten on 26 as the Blues finished off the day on 258.
Arnel and Beaumont’s stand proved to be the linchpin in Numurkah’s innings after the early wickets fell, lifting Gino Saracino’s side to fourth on the ladder.
For Kyabram, spinner Louis Sabbagh-Holt was the pick of the bowlers as he ended with 4-77, while Alec Young and Jackson McLay collected two poles apiece.
The win bodes well for Numurkah heading into games against fellow top four members Central Park-St Brendan’s and Nagambie, while for the Redbacks, a bye looms before a match against Old Students.
THE GAME
Kyabram 171 (Charlie McLay 47, Cade Mueller 27, Raguvaran Aravinthan 3-14) lt Numurkah 258 (Ben Beaumont 82, Tim Arnel 68, Louis Sabbagh-Holt 4-77)
STAR PLAYER
Ben Beaumont (Numurkah): Beaumont has gone back to back with big scores following his knock of 78 against Tatura pre-Christmas. If his form continues, a maiden Cricket Shepparton century can’t be far away.
