Haisman Shield ǀ Mueller masterclass puts Redbacks back on track

Two early wickets courtesy of Bloods bowler Jacob Kerr gave his side an early look-in, with openers Troy Thomson and Billy McLay departing before the 10th over.

Stand-in captain Jason Ibbotson brought Sam Walton into the attack, looking to break through the Kyle Mueller and Charlie McLay partnership that threatened.

The young Blood delivered the goods for his skipper — trapping Mueller in front for six runs.

Cue Cade, who entered the fray and joined McLay in building their side’s total, putting on a mammoth 170 runs between the two of them.

Redbacks skipper Jackson McLay said Mueller’s form with the blade had come through no shortage of hard work and perseverance.

“It was a wonderful knock, the whole club is really proud of Cade, obviously he’s had a bit of a tough two or three-year period, but he’s never stopped putting in and never stopped trying; a great reward for effort for Cade,” he said.

McLay said the win was just what the doctor ordered following a tough loss to Numurkah last time out.

“It was a good response, obviously we were a bit disappointed after last week, so it’s really good to get back on the winners’ list.

“We were probably in a little tricky situation when Charlie and Cade came in at 3-50, they put on 170 and it was a wonderful knock by both of those boys.”

With 285 on the board, McLay was full of praise for the way his side backed up its batting and went about its work with ball in hand, Alec Young a particular standout with a five-for to his name.

“To go out in the field and grab three early wickets, and then Al’s come on; five-for is another great reward for effort, he’s been putting in a lot of work at training too.

“It was a really good performance from everyone — there were no passengers at all yesterday.”