An early nail biter in the Haisman Shield arrived on Saturday evening, but only one team would take the vital points.
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Both Katandra and Tatura missed finals in March, with the expectations to be top six sides as well, and with the same aspirations on the table for 2027, both sides knew the value of winning a 50-50 contest.
In a “funny sort of game”, batting dominated the early going in innings for both sides, before post-drinks was for destructive bowling, seeing all 20 wickets fall on the day’s play, 15 of which came in the second half of either innings.
Katandra skipper Ben Pedretti top-scored for the Eagles with 82, and formed a crucial 129-run partnership with Brady Black after Corey Hickford departed in the third over.
However, post the drinks break, Katandra lost 9-42, leaving a couple dozen runs off an ideal target.
“We were maybe 20 or 30 runs short of what we would’ve liked,” Pedretti said.
“It was defendable, but it was a funny sort of game.
“If you look at the overs before drinks, the batsmen dominated, but then afterwards it completely changed to favour the bowlers.
“Maybe it was the that batters suited the harder ball at the start of the innings, but both sides sort of had collapses after drinks, so it was a bit of a funny one.”
Pedretti lauded opener Black for his immediate form to start the season as the Eagles finished all out for 186 after 44.2 overs.
As Tatura puts the pads on, the red, white and blue made an immediate challenge to apply scoreboard pressure.
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Katandra's Ben Clurey wields the willow. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Tatura's Harry Singh safely fields the Kookaburra. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Katandra's Ben Clurey and Benjamin Pedretti punch gloves. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Katandra's Joshua Mckinnon turns for two. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Tatura's Blake Armstrong sends down a thunderbolt. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Katandra's Benjamin Pedretti top-scored with 82 runs. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Katandra's Joshua Mckinnon drives through the covers. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Katandra's Ryleigh Shannon plays a brick wall defence. Photo by Rechelle ZammitReturning recruit Matthew West pumped 31 off 23 deliveries, while Daniel Coombs’ 40 off 59 created a 56-run partnership with new signing Krrish Patel (24 runs).
However, Tatura suffered a collapse at the tail, losing 4-17, as Ryleigh Shannon and Karl Rosevear showed “growth and maturity” to ensure the Eagles held on for victory.
Bowled out 10 runs away from the target, Tatura fell agonisingly short on 177 with 22 balls left in its innings that could’ve been the difference between securing the six premiership points and missing out.
“I wouldn’t say I was confident to be honest,” Pedretti said.
“If Ryleigh and Karl hadn’t taken those wickets, Tat still had a few overs left to chase it down.
“It was a gutsy bowling performance.
“To bowl in that position isn’t something they’ve (Shannon and Rosevear) done often, it is pretty pleasing to see that growth and maturity.
“Corey Hickford was really good early, him and Bailey Simpson controlled the momentum and swung it back our way.
“There’s a fair bit of work to do, but it’s nice to get an early win.”
Katandra face Central Park-St Brendan’s coming off a round one bye, while Tatura host Karramomus at Frank Howley Oval next Saturday.
THE GAME
Katandra 186 (Ben Pedretti 82, Brady Black 66, Baxter Plunkett 4-17) def. Tatura 177 (Daniel Coombs 40, Matthew West 31, Corey Hickford 3-39)
STAR PLAYER:
Ben Pedretti (Katandra): In a game determined by bowlers, Pedretti’s ability to survive after the drinks break, when the game turned to favour the ball in both innings, ultimately proved the difference in a narrow nine-run victory.