A GRADE EUROA A Grade travelled to John Riodan Oval in Shepparton to take on Shepparton Youth Club United in round nine of the Haisman Shield on January 4. Euroa won the toss and Captain Scott Hamilton, with a confident swagger, decided to bat first under the blazing sun. The start was anything but ideal as they lost their first wicket on the very first ball. Ouch, talk about a rough start. But no worries, Ash Ellis and Vaughan Kirk, the dynamic duo, stepped up to the crease. Ellis dazzled with a quick 29 runs while Kirk chimed in with a stylish 31, trying to keep the scoreboard ticking. Despite their efforts, the middle and lower order crumbled faster than a cookie, losing the last six wickets for just 20 runs. Euroa's innings wrapped up at a modest 116. With 117 runs to defend, the team knew it was going to be a challenge. Shepp United, however, had other plans. They came out swinging, making quick work of the target in just 17 overs with 10 wickets in hand. Euroa, despite their tenacity, couldn't hold them back this time. A grade takes on Pine Lodge at the Friendlies on February 1. SCOREBOARD: EUROA 116 (V Kirk 31, A Ellis 29) lost to SHEPP UNITED 0-117 (O Wilson 0-5, V Kirk 0-13). B GRADE EUROA B Grade hosted Shepparton Youth Club United in round nine of the B Grade competition on January 4. Captain Marc Hornby won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Declan Redfern and Jye Bjorksten kicked off with a sizzling 58-run partnership. Declan departed for 25. As the sun blazed and the heat cranked up, Euroa's determination never wavered. By the halfway mark, they stood at 3/92 with Jye smashing his way to a heroic 42. The latter half of the innings saw Euroa's batsmen put on a masterclass in run-scoring. Marc delivered a captains knock with an unbeaten 43 off just 35 balls. Jack Walters added to the fun with a tail-wagging 28, pushing Euroa to an imposing total of 221 in the 45th over. With 222 to defend, Euroa took to the field with all guns blazing, determined to make their mark. Fletcher Paul was the star of the show, wreaking havoc on Shepp United's batting lineup with a jaw-dropping 5/10 off his nine overs. Darby Wilson and Jack Walters chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Ethan Saxon added the final touches, leaving Shepp United's innings in tatters all out for 85. Euroa celebrated a thrilling victory by a whopping 136 runs. Euroa travels to Tallygaroopna to take on Northerners on February 1. SCOREBOARD: EUROA 221 (M Hornby 43, J Bjorksten 42) defeated SHEPP UNITED 85 (F Paul 5-10, D Wilson 2-11). E GRADE EUROA travelled to face Nagambie at the Nagambie Primary School on Saturday January 11 in round 11 of the E Grade Competition. Captain Ben Jones lost the toss with Euroa being sent into bat first. Ethan Saxon and Harry Lister got Euroa off to a flying start with a dazzling 55-run partnership, with Saxon smashing a fantastic 45 before being dismissed. Euroa kept the scoreboard ticking, reaching 3/87 at drinks. Post drinks, Dave Gleeson and Phil Thompson kept the momentum going, but a dramatic batting collapse saw Euroa lose 7/33, ending their innings at 136. Nagambie chased down Euroa’s target of 137 in just 18 overs. Despite Dave Gleeson striking first and Phil Thompson executing a slick run-out, Nagambie comfortably reached the target, sealing their victory with ease. Euroa play at Memorial Oval next week as they host Mooroopna. SCOREOBARD: EUROA 136 (E Saxon 45, D Gleeson 31) defeated by NAGAMBIE 2/137 (D Gleeson 1-34, J Wilson 0-7).
