Old Students chased down the Jets’ commanding total of 7-203 on the back of a sensational unbeaten 79-run effort from McCabe.
The talented all-rounder led from the front in the round 13 contest with his highest total of the season as he and young gun Ashton Young (41 runs) combined for a match-winning 84-run partnership at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve.
The five-wicket loss has ended Northerners’ hopes of pulling off a miracle run to finals, with the Jets now locked in eighth spot on the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield ladder and 11 points behind Waaia with one round to go.
Saturday’s incredible performance from Students lifts them into ninth spot on the table.
“It was a really great achievement for the boys, especially to chase down over 200 runs,” Old Students coach Gino Saracino said.
“As captain, Callan led superbly and it was really good reward for him. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s performed this year (as a leader), considering how much experience he lost out of the side and the amount of changes we’ve had on a weekly basis.
“He’s managed the youngsters really well this year, his bowling has gotten better and that probably compromised his batting a bit, but I thought he was outstanding on Saturday.”
The win looked out of reach for the Students during the run chase when a couple of Tim Brett (2-23) wickets left the visitors 3-41.
Students teenager Oscar Lambourn provided support for McCabe with a handy 26 off 40 balls, as he combined with McCabe for 67 runs.
Lambourn’s departure brought in fellow teenager and his under-16 teammate Young.
The skilful all-rounder played a mature knock with 41 runs from 68 deliveries.
Despite McCabe’s instrumental knock getting the majority of runs for Students, the presence of Lambourn, Young and co showcased that the future is bright for the rebuilding club.
“To win four games this year, we’ve already improved on how we performed last year, it is just a super effort,” Saracino said.
“The club is in a process of trying to set up for the future, we know that’s where we are at, that’s the reality. We’ve mixed it and beaten those sides around us and at times we’ve struggled like last week, we had a bit of a touch-up against Mooroopna, but that’s okay.
“It’s all part of the process of trying to improve and we might not see the benefit this year, or next year, or the year after but it will come.”
THE GAME
Northerners 7-203 (Mitch Brett 44, Ben Pedretti 44, Liam Callegari 3-36) lt Old Students 5-204 (Callan McCabe 79 not-out, Ashton Young 41, Manindergit Singh 31, Tim Brett 2-23)
STAR PLAYER
Callan McCabe (Old Students): The Students’ skipper was sensational with his run-a-ball unbeaten 79. It was the talented fast bowler’s first half-century of the summer and his second highest score since arriving at Students. McCabe capped his day with 2-54 and a catch in the field.
