Nondies-Cohuna was the unfortunate victim this time around, the visitor at Northen Oval, Kyabram extending a winless streak in the McMahon Shield that stretches back to January 2024.
Nondies decided to bat first after winning the toss, but couldn’t build a substantial partnership.
Entering at three, Zeb Ellwood was the visitors’ constant, but he couldn’t find a teammate to stay around with him for an extended period.
Ellwood made 54 of his side’s first 100 runs, but when he finally fell after bringing up Nondies’ century, the visitor was already seven down.
The tail did little to change fortunes and Nondies was dismissed in 35 overs for 116 runs.
Jackson Barnett took 3-30, while Rob Salter posted an economical 2-8 and Hunter Fawcett and Wil Harrison also took two wickets.
When the Flames suited up to bat, Nondies proved there was something in the pitch to make life difficult and made Fire Brigade work for the win.
The second-wicket partnership of Miller Griffiths (13) and Bohden Learmonth (29) had the Flames in good stead at 1-54, before a mini collapse saw Fire Brigade lose 4-14.
At a precarious 5-68, Jake Gascoyne (23), Oliver Hughes and Wil Harrison (both 19 not out) showed the tenacity to get Fire Brigade over the line with four wickets in hand.
Brodie Bennett tried to bring his side back into the game, taking 4-17, while Zeb Ellwood (2-35) was also good with the ball.
Fire Brigade (4-2) is in the top four for the first time this season after winning four on the bounce, while Nondies continues to languish on the bottom of the ladder.
The Flames face a determined BLU this weekend after the Lions were defeated for the first time at the weekend.
Nondies will host unbeaten Moama in what looks a significant mismatch.
The Game
Nondies-Cohuna 116 (Zeb Ellwood 54, Jackson Barnett 3-30) lt Kyabram Fire Brigade 6-119 (Bohden Learmonth 29, Jake Gascoyne 23, Brodie Bennett 4-17)
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