Steering away from its strength, BLU won the toss and elected to bowl first, sending the defending champs to the crease.
On the outset, that decision looked like it may have backfired, as Echuca openers Brendan Moyle and Curtis Townrow put on 46 for the first wicket.
BLU’s Thomas Dicker landed the first blow, dismissing Moyle for 24 before Jeremy Felmingham sent Curtis Townrow (39) packing with a peach that sent the bails flying.
Anthony Dennis (9) and Aidan Young (2) didn’t stick around for long as the Lions’ bowling attack took hold.
Easton Carlile (18) and Charlie Hinks (14) were the only remaining Echuca batters able to crack double figures, as the lower order was ran through by Luke Thompson (3-7) and Prateer Mehta (3-18).
Ben Henson (five not out) was left stranded as the men in green were bowled out for 119, with a low total leaving the Lions licking their lips.
However, things did not go as planned for the host, as Echuca exposed the middle early with Kade Pearse (2) and Regis Chakabva (1) departing in successive Charlie Hinks deliveries, and Kaydn Blachford (8) dismissed soon after.
Fresh BLU signing Woody Wilson proved his value when it mattered most, top scoring with 44 and crafting important partnerships with Luke Thompson (17) and Prateer Mehta (32).
By the time Wilson was caught off Josh Wills’ bowling, the Lions needed nine runs to win, yet wickets still tumbled, leaving veteran Gregory Pearse and A-grade debutant Brayden Hull the last partners.
Hull kept a raging Kale Edwards at bay before Pearse hit the winning runs off Simon Maddox to secure a thrilling upset victory by one wicket.
The Game
Bamawm-Lockington United 9-123 (Woody Wilson 44, Prateer 32, Charlie Hinks 3-14) defeated Echuca 119 (Curtis Townrow 39, Brendan Moyle 24, Luke Thompson 3-7)
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