Echuca looking to go one step further in McMahon Shield finals

By Josh Huntly

Mar 3, 2022

Ready: Kobyn James (pictured) and Echuca are gearing up for another semi-final against Moama. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by steve Huntley.

All smiles: Matt Hinks (left) and Curtis Townrow (right) will be key players in the semi-final. Photo: Bruce Povey.

Echuca Cricket Club has been in this position before.

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Minor premiers for a second straight year, Echuca has lost just one game for the season and will face Moama in the semi-final at Victoria Park for a spot in the McMahon Shield decider.

Echuca is looking to double up in the repeat of last season’s semi-final, and in two games against Moama, its formline reads a favourable two wins to none.

Wicket-keeper Kobyn James looks set to return to the Echuca line-up as its only change, with captain Taylor Beard indicating they will be taking their strongest side yet into the match.

“It will probably be the first time we’ve been full strength for a long time which is good timing,” Beard said.

His club will come in favourites against the fourth-placed Moama, and for good reason.

Beard’s ability to make or break games has been unmatched, setting Goulburn Murray Cricket alight with an eye-watering 523 runs and 31 wickets to his name in one of the most dominant all-round seasons on record.

He leads the league for both run-scoring and wicket-taking, but he hasn’t been alone.

Curtis Townrow has been a devastating force at the top of the Echuca order with 434 runs to his name, more than half of which were acquired in his round eight knock of 255 against Echuca South.

All-rounder Matt Hinks has favoured the bat for the ball this season, but an extended return to the bowling crease following an injury is giving Echuca another element in its attack at just the right time.

“Matt hasn’t bowled much recently but he got a good spell in (last round),” Beard said.

“It was good to get him back bowling before finals.”

Rylea Jones has also added another dimension in season 2021-22, with the 18-year-old pace bowler claiming 20 wickets while conceding an average of just 10.5.

For Echuca, victory over Moama will provide an opportunity to atone for the disappointment of the 2020-21 grand final against Kyabram, and secure its first A-grade premiership in nearly 20 years.