Barwon Heads’ return to the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association’s A1 Grade competition resulted in an opening round win against last season’s runner-up Jan Juc.
The Seagulls posted 8/154 from 40 overs after winning the toss and had to battle against some tight Jan Juc bowling.
Youngster
Elijah Falconer stepped in for the Sharks and put the brakes on the innings, sending down eight immaculate overs that conceded just six runs.
Taking the pace off the ball worked for Juc with Tom Kearney and Mark Zahra also bowling well.
Max Melzer played an important innings in the middle order for the Heads with 35 from 76 deliveries, but things were tight at 6/101.
Youngster Angus Ford joined Darcy Hewitt and the pair added a valuable 36 with the recently turned 16-year-old Ford making a stylish 21 from 27 and Hewitt remaining not out on 22.
“He (Ford) came in and got a run a ball 21 and really got us from that 120 to 130 to 150 target,” Barwon Heads coach Ben Harris said.
“It was a great little innings and then he fielded really well so he was a really good inclusion for us yesterday. And Darcy Hewitt also played a great game.”
Harris was confident that his side had a winning score and he was proven correct.
Kearney played well for the Sharks with 40 from 79 balls, but the run rate started to escalate and although they were a chance with Jordy Graham (20 not out) at the crease, the task was too tall.
Youngster Taj Don picked up an early wicket and bowled well while Hewitt (2/26) and slow bowler Matt High (2/8) picked up wickets to have Jan Juc all out for 119.
“It was a pretty scratchy performance by both sides I guess but we warmed into it and were able to get the job done,” Harris said.
“It was a pretty even performance and one-day cricket can go either way. We were able to post the score and then defend it.
“It was just an overall good performance, but we’ve got a lot of improvement as well. We were very scratchy still, as were Juc.
“Having the season start in October when you’ve only just had daylight savings start, no one’s been able to train for hours in the weeks leading up.”
OCEAN GROVE defeated last season’s minor premiers Queenscliff.
Frank Mileto (38) top scored for Queenscliff in a total of 9/168 with Mick Thornton starting the season well for the Grubbers, taking 3/25.
Shaun Fankhauser (69) and Paul Jubber (49) then helped guide Ocean Grove home with six wickets and five balls to spare.
Anglesea proved far too good for Inverleigh despite a fine 72 from Inverleigh opener Lachie Platt.
Platt and David Peel (19) added 56 for the first wicket, but no other batter reached double figures in the final total of 9/114. Ben Harcombe’s first game for the Seas proved bountiful, taking 5/14.
Steven Nicholson top scored for Anglesea with 54 not out from 74 balls as it reached the total with six wickets and 11 overs in hand.
Barrabool defeated Armstrong Creek, making 9/126 and then restricting the Titans to 9/119.
Matthew Kennedy had a good day for the Titans, making 49 while the Barrabool bowlers impressed, particularly paceman James Fisher (3/9 from eight overs).
