Division 2
Jindivick (7-188) def. Western Park (116) An aggressive knock of 95 to Harry Moore has propelled Jindivick to an upset win of sorts in round one of division two action, claiming the points against the reigning premiers Western Park.
Having made just two appearances in 2015/16 - in which he struck two half-centuries - Moore carried on from where he left off in round five last summer with a sumptuous knock that carried the Jumping Jacks to an impressive total.
Having watched on from the sidelines as two early wickets fell - Dillon and Boswell both removed early by Toby Bransgrove - Moore took the attack up to the Western Park bowlers, taking particular liking to Dave Burn (1-49 off eight) and Kade Burns (0-37 off eight).
Although dismissed in the 40th over, Moore lifted Jindivick to 7-188, and with Jordan Smith (3-20) and Shannon Hayhow (2-20) amongst the wickets the Park were never in the hunt in their chase, all out for 116 in the 37th over.
Touching tribute
Drouin (6-141) def Garfield-Tynong (5140)
A touching tribute to Shane Tribe marked the occasion in the Titans round one clash with Drouin, but unfortunately for the club they couldn’t emerge victorious on the day, going down by four wickets to the Hawks.
Tate Burgmann compiled a measured knock of 76 not out to lift Garfield-Tynong to 5-140 from their allotted overs, but the experience of Paul Timewell and David Sharpe proved too much for the Titans to overcome with the ball. Timewell struck 42 opening up to ignite the Drouin chase, and Sharped added 41 in the middle order to ensure there would be no hiccups, with the Hawks reaching their target in the 33rd over.
Pre-game, a memorial to Tribe was observed by both sides, with Tribe’s name and playing number displayed on the ground as a reminder of his contribution to the Garfield-Tynong Cricket Club.
Bunyip return with win
Bunyip (187) def. Neerim District (142) Bunyip marked their return to division two with a 45-run win over Neerim District, with captain Sam McMillan leading from the front.
He struck 43 in the middle order to help rescue the Bulls from some early wobbles - with the score at one stage reading 5-86. Together with new recruit James McKellar, Bunyip made their way to 187 at the conclusion of their innings, with 37 extras helping to boost their score.
Jack Ward struck a crisp 45 opening up as the Stags began positively reaching 1-78, but McKellar (3-33), Tyler McMillan (2-29) and Alex McMillan (2-17) proved too good for the Neerim middle and lower orders, and in the 35th over they were dismissed for 142.
Hat-trick helps Hallora
Hallora (8-143) def. Warragul (129) A Ross Donoghue hat-trick has helped Hallora claim victory in their season opener against Warragul, with the depth of the Halloran XI also a key factor in the win.
Having been put into the field Warragul had their opponents on the back-foot early on thanks to some lusty hitting from Elliott Lovejoy (who belted three sixes in his knock of 27), but through the middle overs Brian McDonald (2-24 off 8) slowed the scoring and together with Donoghue (who snared 5-10 from just 4.2 overs, and finishing off the innings with his hat-trick) kept the Gulls to 129.
In reply, experienced heads in Barry Coster (36) and Mark Phillips (49, including three sixes) anchored the chase - and although Carroll (322) and Macfarlane (2-31) fought back with late wickets to reduce Hallora to 8-119 Warragul simply didn’t have enough runs on the board.