WITH Brett Eldridge, Jacob Hetherington and Geoff Williams still to bat, Nestles’ finals aspirations were far from gone – even at 6-40.
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Enter Jason Mungean.
Although Nirranda had just 45 runs to defend, the Nirranda veteran stepped up to dismiss Eldridge and Hetherington, before Williams was run out late in the piece.
Nestles top four dreams all but came crashing down as a result and Nirranda finished the match on Saturday with confidence flowing.
Nirranda batsman Damon Cooper said his side executed its plans to perfection.
“They still had those three or four quality batsmen in, and they only needed 40 runs so it was a bit nerve-racking,” he said.
“The conditions were definitely a little bit less favourable for batting. We were fortunate in that aspect, but getting those key players out was important.
“We were really up and about after we got the first wicket and from there, things just rolled for us.”
Cooper, a top-order batsman by trade, said he was relishing the chance to play alongside new captain Steven Castles.
“Having Steve has actually changed the role that I’m playing. He’s taken me under his wing, and he’ll come out and give me different roles and challenges when I’m out in the middle,” he said.
“I think there’s been more flexibility in my game as a result and it’s definitely been to my benefit as a whole.”
The 18-year-old branded Nirranda’s current division one outfit as “one of the best we’ve had since I’ve been at the club”.