Moama’s pre-Christmas form in the McMahon Shield has continued post-break, extending its unbeaten start to 10 games following a thrilling one-wicket win over Echuca South at the weekend.
Facing the Swans at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, Moama was made to bowl after losing the toss, however Michael Hill made sure the visitors got off to a flyer.
The competition’s leading wicket taker removed opener Tristan Watson (1) early, before also snaring the scalp of Jayden Rosin (8) to have the home side in trouble at 2-12.
But as he has done many times this season, Asantha Singappuli dug in for South, producing a vital 80-run partnership with Rathika Rajakumara to guide his side to 92, before Billy Gallagher (2-29) made the breakthrough, dismissing Singappuli for 41.
Rajakumara (41) would also depart at the hands of Gallagher before being able to salute a half-century, while skipper Grady Smith (19 not out) would be the only other meaningful contributor in the lower order as Hill (4-20) cleaned up the tail.
A shaky start consolidated by the ever-reliable duo of Singappuli and Rajakumara yielded the home side a respectable total of 8-143 from its 45 overs, although there was work to be done with the ball if the Swans were to deny Moama for the first time this season.
Mitchell Stephens (3-39) was certainly up to the task for South, trapping Moama’s Fraser Buchanan (4) in front, before sending both Michael Hill (6) and the destructive Anthony McMahon (2) back to the pavilion, with the visitors reeling at 3-35.
Singappuli (2-17) soon found himself in the thick of the action yet again, removing skipper Joel Murphy (24) and Jack Russell (7) to heap even more pressure on Moama, with the side staring down the barrel at 6-63 following the departure of Matt Saunders (9).
Archie Teasdale’s knock of 28 at number seven kept the visitors in the match. However, when he fell victim to Tristan Watson (3-22), with Rhys Drennan (0) following shortly after, the match looked all but over with South requiring just the one wicket for victory.
However, a terrific 28-run partnership for the final wicket earned Moama its 10th consecutive win, with Duane Johns (27 not out) and Billy Gallagher (10 not out) hitting the winning runs in the 44th over.
The victory boosts Moama two wins clear on top of the standings, while Echuca South drops out of the top four with four rounds remaining, half a game back in fifth.
The Game
Echuca South 8-143 (Asantha Singappuli 41, Rathika Rajakumara 41, Michael Hill 4-20) lt Moama 9-145 (Archie Teasdale 28, Duane Johns 27 not out, Tristan Watson 3-22)