After the bulk of Cricket Shepparton’s lower grades took an early week off, Saturday saw the return of swashbuckling innings, down-to-the-death clashes and some wonky bowling for good measure.

Saturday Sundries are all the extra highlights from the weekend’s lower grade cricket — from the top run-scorer to the best bowling figures and anything else of interest from across the district’s grounds.

To make sure we don’t miss any classic moments, why not message Shepparton News Sport on social media or email us at sport@sheppnews.com.au

News photographer Megan Fisher swung by to capture Old Students defeat Pine Lodge by three-wickets in the Jim McGregor Shield.

Gino supremo

Gino Saracino has always known how to stitch a few runs together.

With more than 10,000 to his name across three decades of cricket, the Numurkah coach brought up his first ton in 16 years (almost to the day) as the Blues defeated Karramomus by 72 runs in B-grade.

Saracino quarterbacked Numurkah’s total of 205, peeling off 17 boundaries and two maximums on the way to 129 off 120 balls - his highest ever career score.

From there, he let another legend take the reins.

Blues’ icon Liam Gledhill treated Karramomus’ order like dominoes, knocking them down with wizardous finger spin to claim figures of 5-24.

Tons of fun

From one ripsnorting B-grade performance to another, the Clyde Young Shield encounter between Shepparton Youth Club United and Kyabram had it all.

In the first innings, SYCU opener Steven Tate grabbed the big weapon and swung for the fences, hitting 120 as the combine charged to 6-208.

But the Redbacks weren’t to be outdone.

Cade Mueller went charging towards a century and eventually saluted at 107, seeing Kyabram’s fate lie in the hands of Jack Young and Paul Wickham with six balls to play.

However, a loose final over from Fahad Mirza - featuring one bye, two no balls and three wides - sealed victory for the Redbacks in headscratching fashion.

Retirement home

Here’s something that might have flown under the radar.

Two rule changes has swept the Whitelock Shield - or E-grade, as it’s known in the common tongue - implementing a more social element to the division.

Firstly, games have been reduced to 35 overs.

Secondly, and though it’s not quite as backyard as six and out, players are now encouraged to retire after raising the bat for a 50 to allow more batters to pad up and have a swing at the white ball.

Saturday saw the following cash in their pension and enjoy an early retirement: Hughie Stammers, Gregory Meyland, Blake Bunfield, Harrison Whitford, Andrew Shields, Vikas Saini, Brett Davis and Pine Lodge’s bowling unit.

The Lodgers conceded 51 extras during a loss to SYCU, meaning there might be a few extra net sessions required out at Lemnos before the next hit out.

Five of the best

This edition of Saturday Sundries has had a strong willow notes to it, so how about we throw the tweakers and quicks a bone and make this less bat stew, more bowling (for) soup.

First up, Ben Andonoudis.

The Mooroopna young gun known as ‘Stoin’ had Nagambie’s order hook, line and sinker in the Clyde Young Shield, baiting three stumpings as he claimed 5-17 during a 39 run victory over the Lakers.

Meanwhile, Sam Obersnell proved the difference for Northerners in its E-grade win over Waaia, destroying the Bombers’ middle order for a return of 5-22 off six overs.

Well done to both bowlers - that kind of performance takes balls.

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Saturday, 18th March 2028

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