The MVCA’s top two teams went head-to-head for the second time this season, with Nathalia emerging victorious once again, prevailing by two wickets.
Needing to chase down 182 for victory, Nathalia made its way to 8-200 on the second day of the two-day encounter to earn a crucial win that puts the side in top spot on the ladder.
Liam Evans was the star of the match for Nathalia, making a superb century with the bat that served as the backbone of his side’s run chase, having already claimed five Cobram wickets in the first innings as well.
There was plenty riding on the top-of-the-table match heading into the clash at Nathalia Showgrounds, with both sides having only lost once so far in the season.
Cobram won the toss and elected to bat on day one, reaching 182 before Nathalia had them all out.
Scores of 37 from Mitch Doyle and 29 from Shaun Downie helped the Tigers reach a solid spot at 3-123, but three quick wickets hampered their progress.
Doyle was removed, followed quickly by the wickets of Tyron Baden (25) and James Daniel (1) with the Tigers suddenly at 6-124.
Cobram’s tail added an extra 58 runs, but the visitors were soon all out for 182.
Evans was dynamite with the ball in hand as he took 5-65, including the key wickets of Downie, Adam De Cicco (11) and Matteo Allen (18).
Evans then continued his hot streak on the second day of play on Saturday, producing a superb innings with the willow.
Opening the batting, he blasted his way to 102 before he was eventually dismissed.
His knock was exactly what Nathalia needed, with the rest of the top order failing to fire.
Fellow opener Scotty Morris (21) was the only other one of Nathalia’s first eight batters to reach double digits, with Cobram’s bowlers doing their best to skittle the hosts.
James Daniel was stellar for Cobram as he took four wickets on Saturday, alongside a run out.
Daniel’s efforts had the match on a knife’s edge late, but crucial scores from Henry Congues (20 not-out) and Harry McDonald (10 not-out) helped lift Nathalia to victory.
The result means Nathalia is now in pole position in the race for the minor premiership, sitting ever so slightly ahead of the Tigers on points with one round left to play.
The first round of finals is slated to get under way on Saturday, March 11.
Meanwhile, Cobram’s A-grade team was the only one of the club’s senior sides to take to the field on the weekend.
Cobram’s B-grade outfit had a bye in round 13 of the competition, while Nathalia forfeited its C-grade match against the Tigers.
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