It's been centuries galore for the black and white this season, so, when it came time to play their stiffest competition in round nine, Kobyn James knew it was his day for triple figures.
Hosting Bamawm-Lockington United at Moama Recreation Reserve, the Mowers knew they wanted to put runs on the board early after winning the toss.
The opening pair of current leader for McMahon Shield champion player Russell Stockdale and Moama stalwart Fraser Buchanan set a decent platform early for the host, combining for 26 through the first seven overs.
Kade Pearse got the first breakthrough for the Lions, getting Buchanan (11) to nick off into the safe hands of Regis Chakabva behind the stumps.
Stockdale (17) followed suit shortly after, with Pearse picking up his second wicket for the match.
Moama captain Joel Murphy (5) wasn’t able to continue on with his strong batting form of late, being caught by Kadyn Blachford off Jeremy Felmingham’s bowling in the 14th over.
The game began to turn around in the Mowers’ favour as James and Anthony McMahon developed a strong 70-run partnership through the middle overs.
It took until the 28th over for the Lions to jag another wicket, with Noah Turner beating McMahon (35) all ends up.
Like cutting the head off a hydra, Matt Saunders replaced McMahon as James’ running mate, tallying 33 before he was caught in the deep by Braydee Hutchins off Luke Thompson’s bowling.
It was during his stint with Duane Johns that James finally scurried back for a second run, taking him past triple figures for the first time for Moama with a celebration to match.
James would remain unbeaten alongside Billy Gallagher (1 not out) with the mercurial number four smashing 112 off 116 balls with 15 fours and one six to steer his side to 6-238.
Moama put the Lions under immediate threat, as McMahon hung on to one off his own bowling to dismiss Chakabva for nine.
First drop Kade Pearse couldn’t find second gear as McMahon struck again, with Pearse’s shot falling into the hands of Gallagher.
Woody Wilson was able to hit a couple of boundaries before he was on the receiving end of a Saunders peach, bowling him through the gate.
After opener Blachford (16) nicked off Clay McGregor, Luke Thompson (16) and Prateer Mehta managed to find some groove before the former was cleaned up by Rishabh Kothari.
Kothari was in the wickets again, getting Joel Felmingham (7) to edge one into the gloves of James.
After Mehta’s defiant knock of 36 came to a close thanks to Saunders, Gregory Pearse was the stone in the stream, remaining unbeaten on 35 as his side was bowled out around him.
The Lions could only manage 147, as the Mowers took the day with a comfortable 91-run victory.
Moama will face another strong contender in round 10, travelling across the border to face the Swans at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, while BLU has the bye.
The Game
Moama 6-238 (Kobyn James 112 not out, Anthony McMahon 35, Kade Pearse 2-42) d Bamawm-Lockington United 147 (Prateer Mehta 36, Gregory Pearse 35 not out, Clay McGregor 3-26)
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