Royals rule the pitch

James Robertson was the chief destroyer for Melton South Primary School. Picture Damian Visentini

Melton South Primary School Cricket Club is on top after day one of its Victorian Turf Cricket Association west A1 clash with Bellbridge.

After having to wait a week to take to the field after the opening round was postponed, the Royals enjoyed a fine day.

Bellbridge looked to be in control early at 1-41 before it lost three wickets without scoring a run. It lost another not long after and was in trouble at 5-49.

Bellbridge never recovered and was bowled out for just 113.

Two players made 21 – but they were the highest scores for the innings.

James Robertson was the best of the bowlers, taking five wickets.

The Royals will resume at 2-57 after negotiating 21 overs at the end of day one. Skipper Paul Hetherington is 24 not out.

In other matches, Melton Centrals had a field day with the bat in making 9-297 off its overs.

Gellibrand was wasteful with the ball, conceding a massive 54 extras.

In north A2, Caroline Springs looked dangerous with the bat, making 6-281 off its overs.

Opening pair Dave Martin and Jackson Mills put on 137, setting the tone for the rest of the innings.

Mills made 103 and Martin 70.

Sydenham-Hillside, in its first match on turf, will be hoping for a couple of early wickets on day two against Sunshine YCW.

Batting first, Sydenham-Hillside made 158 and started well with the ball, taking 3-12 at the end of day one.