A half-century by Darren MacRae helped lift St Anthonys to a win over Diggers Rest Bulla in round one of Gisborne District Cricket Association B-grade on Saturday.
After losing the toss and being forced to bowl first, St Anthonys restricted the Burras to 9-144 from their 40 overs.
Warren Haffenden was a clear standout with the ball, taking 2-8 during an extremely economical eight overs.
Also among the wickets were Jamie Bolger (3-23) and Lucas Alaimo (2-28).
In reply, the St Anthonys batsmen were led by MacRae, who batted most of the way through the innings on his way to 51.
Alaimo also returned to cause more headaches for Diggers Rest by hitting 39.
On the back of the two strong performances from the top order, St Anthonys reeled in the total with five balls and three wickets to spare. …
St Anthonys will look to maintain its good start to the season when it takes on Rupertswood in a one-day match this weekend.
Diggers Rest will meet Macedon in its second match.
Elsewhere in B-grade, Bacchus Marsh beat Macedon, Ashfield was too good for Sunbury United, and Rupertswood got over the top of East Sunbury.
In Williamstown District Cricket Association action, Melton South Primary School got off to a tough start in A-grade on Saturday and was smashed by Williamstown Colts by 100 runs.
Batting first, Williamstown blasted 209 runs from its 40 overs.
In reply, Melton was unable to get close to the target, constantly losing wickets before being bowled out for 109 in the 32nd over.
It was a great day for Williamstown captain Abhilash Sharma, who smashed 61 and took three wickets.
Also on Saturday, Bellbridge defeated Melton Centrals by three wickets.
