MURRABIT’S quest for perfection came to an end on Saturday as the Blues suffered their first loss of the 2022-23 season, going down to Barham by 37 runs.
The shock win was great news for the rest of the competition, who now see that the Blues are beatable.
Barham lost to Murrabit in the grand final last season and once again, they look like they are the biggest challengers to a Blues dynasty.
Opener Leigh Sobotnicki, in superb form, smashed a run-a-ball 102.
Since returning from Christmas, he has hit scores of 94, 60, 57 and 102.
In reply to Barham’s 8/181, the Blues got off to the worst possible start losing openers Tim Millard and Simon Ettershank for ducks.
Nathan Henry (44) and Brent McKnight (49) were able to steady the ship, yet it wasn’t enough as the Blues were rolled for 144.
With one round to go, the Blues are still destined to secure the week off in round one of the finals and host the big dance for the second year in a row, while Barham faces a preliminary final preview against Kerang.
