They fly with the white ball, so can the Lakers keep a purple patch alive in two-day games? – Shepparton News

Mooroopna has yet to recapture the blistering form that landed him in the crucial 2023-24 tournament, and with two-day cricket now to come, there is still time for the side to get going when the whites come out.

But the Lakers didn’t have the safety on Saturday after winning the toss and electing to bat on their home court.

Mooroopna coach Henry Barrow won the early sparring, dispatching opposition coach Zac Winter-Irving in the second over for four.

Although this was the only bit of joy the visitors tasted for the first hour or so, the next shouts of howzat came after only a few minutes.

Mitch Winter-Irving looked set for a half-century but was pipped by England youngster Ethan Baker five runs shy and a ball later James Wilson walked to the sheds to join him.

Mark Nolan cue.

Instead of backing down and playing a safe option against a hat-trick player, the seasoned all-rounder hit one on the ropes to start a mini-stance forged between the brothers.

While the Winter-Irvings didn’t share the middle at all, the Nolans certainly did as opener Luke carried his bat with 67 not out while his sibling — and captain — Mark chipped in with a comfortable 19-run cameo.

Tom Barnes’ contribution of 26 sixes helped the Lakers to 6-183 from their 45 overs, with Jack Gaskill’s 3-52 and Baker’s 2-33 the standouts on the bowling front.

Unfortunately, that was about as good as it got for the travelers as Nagambie managed to lock it home and leave Mooroopna stranded, well within striking distance of victory.

While the scorecard was not available at the time of printing, The News heard from multiple sources that mooroopna has been dumped in the 70-80 run range.

Nagambie will look to build on their unblemished record when they face Shepparton Youth Club United in upcoming red-ball action, while Mooroopna have a week off to assess before their next game, which also happens to be against United.