Haisman Shield | Kyabram’s ‘Special Ks’ star in Katandra rout

Once again it was the class of the Redbacks’ ‘’Special Ks’’ that was the catalyst to the win, as Kaine Herbert (96) and Kyle Mueller (77) put on 160 for the third wicket to see their side to an imposing total of 8-300.

The Kyabram bowlers then backed up the good work of Herbert and Mueller, with another complete performance from its seven-pronged attack seeing it roll the in-form Eagles for 160.

A result that has the Redbacks within striking distance of securing a top-two finish come finals time, coach Jackson McLay said the win was a major confidence booster for his side.

“It’s not too often you travel to face the top team and come away with a bonus point,” McLay said.

“I thought it was a very good all-round performance with both bat and ball, we also fielded really well, so to put up an effort like that I could not be more thrilled.

“We’re obviously eyeing off a top-two spot, so this win was very important in putting us in a good position to do that, while it also gives us confidence that our best is good enough to beat anyone.”

Winning the toss and batting first in perfect conditions at Katandra Recreation Reserve, the Redbacks hit early trouble when openers Billy McLay and Kyle Fitzgerald were back in the pavilion within the first 10 overs.

But while most sides would panic, Kyabram knew it was in safe hands as Mueller strode out to join his trusty partner Herbert at the crease.

Two players renowned for their aggressive stroke play, the Katandra bowlers quickly found out why they are the competition’s two form batters, as they boosted the Kyabram run-rate up to a whopping seven an over.

Herbert, who finished four short of his first 100 of the season, needed only 83 balls to have an impact as he hit a whopping 13 boundaries.

While Mueller’s 77 was his fifth score of more than 50 in his past six knocks, as the Lightfoot Medal favourite whacked six fours and three sixes in what was yet another display of elite power-hitting.

“Herb (Kaine) and Wiz (Kyle) were absolutely super again in the way they set up our innings,” McLay said.

“It is a bit of a luxury for us to have those two guys coming in at three and four at the moment, they picked off the bad balls really well, ran very hard between the wickets and put pressure back on the bowlers — they really fed off each other.

“It’s fantastic to see Herb hit some top form at the moment and Kyle is just being Kyle, which is great for us.”

Having the Redbacks beautifully poised at 2-184, the middle order then went about capitalising on the strong foundation, with Angus McKenzie’s quick-fire 44 off 27 deliveries leading them to a dominant 8-300.

Positioned beautifully at the halfway mark, McLay and his bowling unit were then handed the reins to finish the job.

And in what has been a trademark of the Redbacks’ success this season, all seven bowlers rose to the occasion to leave the Katandra batters in all-sorts.

Led by the pace of McKenzie, who finished with 3-37, Kyabram never let the Eagles get going, with a consistent flow of wickets having them 8-105.

Some late hitting by Raymond Ireland did bring some credibility back to the Katandra cause however, as he whacked 49 off 66 balls to see it to a total of 160.

With the loss Katandra slips to second on the ladder and with the bye this weekend could fall to third as it sits only two points clear of a rampant Kyabram.