Sport
17 January, 2026
Openers sting high flying Pies
ARNOLD Redbacks opening pair of Heath Lock and Ryan Metelmann made 123 runs between them against Boort Yando on Saturday.
The rest of the Redbacks line up could manage only 18 runs off the bat, but that was still enough to inflict the Magpies’ second loss for the season.
It was a stunning effort from bottom-placed Arnold against the top side, which gives them hope of still making the semi-finals.
In their two-day match Lock and Metelmann put on almost a century for the first wicket before the batters crumbled.
Metelmann made 82 before he was seventh out with the score on 152, with Arnold taking 62 overs for its total of 174 all out.
Some of Boort Yando’s bowlers recorded outstanding figures despite the big opening partnership.
Jack Weaver bowled 18 overs in taking 3-29, Jarrod Hodoras took 2-22 from his 12 overs, and Harry Weaver bowled five maidens as he took 2-34 from 16 overs.
The Magpies could muster only 122 from 53 overs in response, with Josh Smith top scoring on 37.
He was dismissed by Metelmann, who completed a memorable all-round performance by taking 2-14 from 14 overs.
Metelmann’s stint included six maidens – two of which were wicket maidens.
Michael Dale was also outstanding with the ball, conceding just 19 runs while taking five wickets from 14 tight overs.
Boort Yando reached 2-65 before the wickets started tumbling, but once Smith was out on that score Arnold’s total always looked out of reach.
Only Alex Cockerell and Jake O’Flaherty, with 17 each, and Dan Lehman (11) made double figures along with Smith.
The Magpies are still on top of the ladder and face Bridgewater Bulls, who have Tom and Harry McKinley back from California Gully in the Bendigo competition, in a T20 match on Saturday.
The Redbacks travel to Kingower for a critical clash that could define its 2025-2026 season.