mmg.com.au

Cricket Shepparton newcomer Kyabram had a mixed night in the junior Twenty20 finals at Deakin Reserve on Friday.

The Redbacks cruised to victory in the under-14 Keath Big Hit against Mooroopna, but fell short against Northerners in the under-16 Blizzard Big Hit.

An excellent performance with the ball meant the Redbacks were chasing only 57 for victory and they did so with five wickets to spare.

Ben Nankivell needed no time to get his eye in, smashing his first delivery for six and following it up with a four next ball.

After a blistering start, Nankivell and his opening partner Dylan Joyce were sent back to the pavilion, leaving Kyabram 2-27 at the halfway mark.

Wickets in hand was always going to be key and while the Cats chipped away, the Redbacks were able to keep the run rate ticking over and eventually Mitch Jarrett hit the winning runs.

It completed a perfect season for Kyabram, which won the minor premiership ahead of the Cats, who were also unbeaten prior to Friday’s final.

The news was not as good for the club’s under-16 team.

Northerners produced some hitting that Aiden Blizzard, who the tournament was named after, would have been proud of, as it reached 6-142.

Rhiley Lau, Joel Brett, Luke Smith and Alex Ring all retired upon reaching 20, with Smith reaching his score in boundaries alone.

After 11 overs of the chase, the Redbacks were 2-61, but the ever-increasing run rate soon took its toll and they were eventually all out for 84.

Smith backed up his efforts with the bat, with 4-4 from eight balls to complete a stunning individual performance.

●Cricket Shepparton was unable to retain the Wangaratta Challenge trophy, with three of four teams suffering defeat to Wangaratta District Cricket Association on Sunday.

The under-12A Chris Keady 6ers were the only team to taste success.

It was the first time in two years Shepparton has lost the challenge, but junior cricket co-ordinator Steve Nash said it was a high standard and a great experience for young players to be exposed to representative cricket.