Sport
Gallery | Katandra keeps its cool to cruise past Karramomus despite Lachie Keady’s bowling brilliance
Katandra is heading into the bye with a breeze at its back and two wins banked.
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The Eagles ventured to Vibert Reserve to take on Karramomus in the Bloods’ debut for the 2024-25 Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield after a round one rest, and it went mostly to plan for Ryleigh Shannon’s charges.
Karramomus batted first and shook off a shaky start, losing mainstays Cooper Delahey and Mitch McGrath early before ex-Northerners jet Declan Newbound dug in.
However, savvy and stringent Eagles bowling restricted the Bloods to 108 and Katandra’s deep batting stocks dragged it over the line despite Lachie Keady’s wizardry keeping the visitors on the ropes for periods.
With a five-wicket win in the books and a week off to draft on the drawing board, Shannon was chipper in the wake of Saturday’s bonus point win.
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Katandra’s Andrew Riordan applies some serious revolutions to the ball. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 2 of 7
Karramomus’ Zac Groombridge does a spinning act after getting one clean into the pads. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 3 of 7
Katandra’s Andrew Riordan gets down low to ensure a dot ball. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 4 of 7
Karramomus’ Luke Forge connects cleanly with a well-timed cover drive. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 5 of 7
Karramomus’ Zac Groombridge makes it into his crease in the nick of time. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 6 of 7
Katandra’s Raymond Ireland receives the ball at the top of his mark before steaming in. Photo by Holly DaniellImage 7 of 7
Karramomus’ Lachie Keady sees the ball whistle past his bat. Photo by Holly Daniell“It was a solid performance from us,” he said.
“We put together a pretty comprehensive bowling performance considering we’re a little bit of a different line up this year and possibly a bit thin on that side of the ball.
“But between the bowlers and the fielders, we were able to rein them back in after they had a pretty solid start.
“I think we got the last seven wickets for 40-odd runs, so we’re really happy with that.”
Karramomus, buoyed by a bevy of off-season signings, were stunned early by a fast and frenetic Eagles attack.
Delahey departed for a duck in the second over and McGrath followed suit for 13 in the fourth, both walking after Hadleigh Sirett worked his magic with the pill.
Teen sensation Newbound anchored the innings with a well-worked 41 off 57 balls, but his contribution would prove to be the largest of any Blood after Zac Groombridge’s 13 marked only the third Karramomus player to make it into double digits.
Defending a below-par total, Keady went bang with the ball and removed Katandra openers Ben Clurey (one) and Stephen Barrett (15).
The Eagles had a young gun of their own though.
Bailey Simpson farmed the strike and finished the innings on 34 not out, partnering Andrew Riordan during a smash and grab 39-run cameo before Sirett arrived at the crease and slapped the winning runs.
Keady ended with 5-36 and earned praise from Shannon, who labelled him a “very good strike bowler”, but another fine paceman received top marks from the Katandra leader.
“We’re really happy with Seth Westley, he’s our English import and he obviously bowled super-duper tight and bowls at a fairly good clip,” he said.
“There’s always a bit of uncertainty when you get a different nationality off one of those agency platforms, but we’re really happy with how he’s turning in.
“It looks like he’ll be leading the charge for us until a few blokes return from injury or things like that turn our way.”
Shannon was hopeful Ben Pedretti and Jedd Wright will return from injury after the bye, while Corey Hickford’s A-grade comeback is touted to arrive post-Christmas.
The immediate inclusions will be needed as Katandra eyes off matches against Waaia, Tatura, Numurkah and Kyabram, with the Eagles hoping to remain at the ladder’s north end at December.
THE GAME
Karramomus 108 (Declan Newbound 41, Mitch McGrath 13, Seth Westley 3-11) lt Katandra 5-110 (Andrew Riordan 39, Bailey Simpson 34*, Lachie Keady 5-36)
STAR PLAYER
Andrew Riordan (Katandra): It’s tough to split the spoils among a barbed Katandra attack, but Riordan’s 3-13 paired with a boundary-laced 39 was too hard to ignore. Batting at six, the Eagles’ dab hand was crucial in powering his side to the runs in the midst of Keady’s wicket storm.
“We know we’ve got a big chunk of cricket coming up, but it’s good that they’re all grouped together, so we know the level that we need to play at,” Shannon said.
“Obviously no disrespect to the two teams that we’ve played, but it’s sort of good to get those games out of the way and get the wins on the board.
“(It) also gives us a few extra weeks to work on a few certain areas that we’ve identified in our game that we can shore up coming into these games against the teams that are most likely expecting to take silverware out of the season as well.”
Senior Sports Journalist