B Grades Epic Victory

NACC B Grade, Murray Valley Cricket Association 2023-2024 Premiers.

Well done to Nathalia Association Cricket Club’s B Grade on their nail biting Premiership victory against Cobram on Saturday the 2nd of March.

Nathalia 107 def Cobram 105

Inspiring words such as marvellous, spectacular, and extraordinary should be used to describe the game that had it all, however, ‘EPIC’ shall be the theme for this premiership recount.

Epic - resembling or suggesting such poetry: a novel, ode or spoken word depicting the B Grade Grand Final.

heroic; majestic; impressively great: the premiership victory of NACC B Grade was epic.

of unusually great size or extent: a Grand Final of epic proportions.

Slang. very impressive; spectacular; awesome: A team effort that was epically EPIC!

The positive atmosphere started with a marvelous bus trip organised by NACC. Parents, players, and supporters all travelling together to Berrigan relishing the incredible atmosphere that only a bus full of support can offer. With 100% commitment to the cause and a strong undercurrent of belief/optimism for the days play, nervous tension was in abundance.

Losing the toss and being sent into bat proved beneficial for Nathalia. With a very slow outfield, runs became hard to get so shot placement and hitting over the ring became paramount, Wilson 3 and a calculated captains knock of 33 for Brereton starting the game off with intent. At the first change, Cobram’s second attack limited opportunities for scoring, forcing the middle order to hit over the ring and capitalise on every opportunity that was presented.  Maintaining the steady start of the openers and turning over valuable runs till the drinks break, Bailey Bell 17, Kai Lundberg 1, and T Binks 14 batted with aplomb. With the score sitting at an industrious 75 and Cobram’s bowlers hampering scoring progress, Dale James (13) threw on the “terry towelling” hat and took charge. Deft back foot shots guided between players being his default setting until an ambitious charge down the pitch left him stranded. Billy Liddell and Xavier Daniel supported this crucial partnership by running critical singles between wickets, Liddell falling 97 short of his century and Xavier Daniel 3 not out.

At the tea break it was tense, an apprehensive air of uncertainty hanging heavy at the sublime Berrigan ground. As both teams took the field amazing things happened. Our young players stood up. Leading by example in the field, Nate Summerville, Brady Walpole and Billy Liddell utilising their athletic abilities to minimise any unnecessary runs and applying consistent vocal pressure to the Cobram batsmen.

To the cheers of the growing crowd Nathalia opened its attack. The scintillating pace, graceful gait and rhythmic delivery of Harry McDonald in full flight was a sight to behold. On this day in history every bowler rose to the occasion and found that little bit extra. From the first ball McDonald had Cobram’s openers in terrible trouble. Not a decent connection of leather on willow was heard during his 8 overs, 3 maidens, 9 runs successfully claiming the first dangerous Cobram wicket. One of the most intimidating bowling spells by a Nathalia fast bowler in B Grade history. James Vallender’s deceptive left arm deliveries from the other end kept scoring slow for his four overs and the veteran batsmen Dale James rested after a solid spell of seven overs.

In the later stages of the innings, it became a game of cat and mouse where each team gained control at certain times until the catch of the century was taken by Mark Wilson off his own bowling. An extraordinary reflex catch in his opposite hand again lifting the team to new heights. This was one of the pivotal points in the game which ultimately influenced the next passage of play. I can assure you it became incredibly tense on and off the field at this point. The game was in the air, enter the hometown support of the Nathalia bus travellers, parents and by this time our fantastic A Grade team. Things got “finals type” rowdy and after the “Hawkers Road Hustler” Xavier Daniel terrorised Cobram for his two wickets it came down to the last over with 6 runs for victory.

In a visionary captains call, the “terry towelling” hat was handed back to the umpire. Two strides were added to the run up and with a ‘D.K Lillee” wipe of the brow and a terrifying stare down, the final over commenced. Composure, “alert but not alarmed” fielding and excellent leadership from the ‘man of the match’ David Brereton kept the pressure on, Cobram requiring 4 runs off the last ball.

In the last ball of the last over and the last game of the season the last wicket fell to a fiery delivery that only age and experience could deliver. An epic victory for a great team of players that will be remembered for many years. A fitting end to a great season and congratulations to our B Grade team, their dedicated parents, supporters and support players throughout the season, a truly wonderful victory for Nathalia Association Cricket Club.

Neale Hawks presenting David Brereton with the Man of the Match Medallion.

Back: (L-R)Brady Walpole, Harry McDonald,

Thomas Binks, Billy Liddell, Nathan Binks,

Mark Wilson, Dale James, James Vallender

and Xavier Daniel.

Front: (L-R) Kai Lundberg, Nate Summerville,

Bailey Bell and David Brereton (captain).

 

Man of the Match - David Brereton.

Well done to our Under 15's who had a great win today against Katunga. This now secures their spot in the Grand Final next week against top of the ladder Cobram.

The game will be played at Cobram over Saturday and Sunday morning. If you are free we would love to see you there to cheer them on.

All the best to our under 15's