Gallery | Haisman Shield | McDonald tons up as Mooroopna blasts past Old Students

Brodie McDonald and Nick Breslin were the stars of the day, putting on a incredible 173-run partnership.

McDonald powered past the century mark all the way to 124, while Breslin blasted 94 runs as well in an impressive innings of his own.

With an eye-watering total on the board, the Cats then delivered with the ball in hand as they knocked Old Students over for 127 – less than half of the score required.

Mooroopna coach Luke Zanchetta said his side’s innings at the crease was a special sight to behold.

“I’m not sure what the club record for a one-day score is in 45 overs, but I’d dare say that would be pretty close,” Zanchetta said.

“Any time you get over 250 in a one-dayer, especially with 45 overs, you are massively in the game.

“Brodie batted with a lot of class and a lot of patience. Once he got in he hit it to all parts. Nick came out and was scoring at a run a ball from ball one and he really put the pressure back on the bowlers, it was a pleasure to sit there and watch.

“They really complemented each other well. They didn’t take any risks, they hit to their strengths. I don’t think there were too many chances given, it was a pretty complete performance with the bat.”

Mooroopna entered the contest in the midst of a tight race for the minor premiership, needing a win to keep the pressure on top side Katandra.

After winning the toss, the Cats soon went about forging their incredible total.

The Cats made their way to 2-74 before McDonald and Breslin took over the contest.

The pair scored at better than a run a ball as it combined for a fantastic 173-run stand.

Breslin was finally removed for 93 to break the partnership, out caught within sight of what would have been his first century of the season.

However, McDonald batted on, surging past the milestone and all the way to 124 before he too was finally dismissed in the penultimate over.

Chasing an almost impossible total for victory, Old Students were on the back foot from the outset.

Things got even harder with two wickets in the first two overs leaving them at 2-5.

Two more early dismissals had the scoreboard reading 4-22, making the end result all but a formality.

Manindergit Singh made a resilient 34 and Callan McCabe reached 28, but Old Students were bowled out for 127.

Mooroopna’s Henry Barrow continued his hot form as he secured four wickets, with Simon D'Elia claiming three scalps as well.

Zanchetta said his side’s performance with the ball was just as impressive as what it did with the bat.

“The pleasing thing for me was when we had that score on the board we didn’t drop off with the ball and in the field. There was still good intensity,” he said.

“Henry continued his rich vein of form and ripped the hearts out of their top order. Our spinners did what they do every week and picked up a couple between them.

“It was just a really complete performance which is the more pleasing thing with two rounds to go.”

Zanchetta also highlighted the performance of young wicketkeeper Ben Woods, who had a hand in five wickets.

“For Ben, that was the first time he has got five dismissals in a game,” Zanchetta said.

“He is doing a massive job for us this year and he has really stood up in the last couple of weeks, which is really pleasing leading into finals. It is a massive thing when you can be a part of five dismissals.”

The win keeps Mooroopna in second spot on the ladder with two rounds left to play.

The Cats are four points behind league leader Katandra and five points ahead of third-placed Kyabram.