Four rounds into the 2025-26 McMahon Shield season, Kyabram Fire Brigade has finally opened its account with a win over Tongala at Northern Oval.
Tongala won the toss in enemy territory and elected to bat, pushing for runs on the board early.
However, things did not go according to plan to start the first innings as Darin Ohlsen (8) was caught and bowled by Jackson Barnett in the fifth over before Ryan Smith (1) was sent back to the sheds two overs later by Rob Salter.
Stephen Townsend (7) was the next to go, being caught by Barnett off Oliver Hughes’ bowling.
Jayden Tucker (12) and Braith Northausen (15) managed to provide resistance, soaking up overs before the former was caught behind by Shannon Fleming and the latter being stumped by Fleming a few overs apart.
Matt Ohlsen (14) and captain Mackenzie Cowley (22) made valuable contributions to the tally before they were eventually dismissed, with Tongala’s tail adding little to the score.
The visitor managed to bat deep into the innings, but couldn’t generate runs, being bowled out for 101.
The Flames managed to chase down the total in a tick less than 30 overs, but, it wasn’t without its issues, losing six wickets along the way.
Miller Griffiths (24) at the top of the order and Jake Gascoyne (31) at number four did the bulk of the scoring for Fire Brigade, with Fleming (13) and captain Salter (12) adding handy cameos.
Ohlsen was the pick of the bowlers for Tongala, taking 3-19, while Hughes and Wil Harrison both took three wickets in the first innings.
With their first win under their belt the Flames will turn their attention to a true contender in round five, travelling to Windrige Oval to take on Rochester.
Meanwhile, Tongala will face an Echuca side hungry for victory at Moon Oval on Saturday.
The Game
Tongala 101 (Mackenzie Cowley 22, Braith Northausen 15, Wil Harrison 3-20) lt Kyabram Fire Brigade 6-102 (Jake Gascoyne 31, Miller Griffiths 24, Darin Ohlsen 3-19)