St Anthonys started off its Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade season in fine fashion with a big win against Ashfield on Saturday.
Last season’s runners-up were the big winners in the opening round of this season, showing clearly they’ll be in the mix again.
After making 7-168, they bowled Ashfield out for just 99.
New St Anthonys’ captain-coach Cameron Clayton said it was good to get a win on the board early on.
“We got off to a good start with Jamie Bolger and Lucas Alaimo, and lost our first wicket at 45,” Clayton said.
“We built partnerships before losing a couple of wickets in the middle.
“The tail wagged a bit and got us to 168.”
Paul Scott top-scored with 42 not out, with Bolger making 36.
Clayton said he thought their score was about on par for a quick ground, but stressed the one key to ensuring a win.
“We knew if we could get early wickets … we would be fine,” he said.
“Jas King is the key with both the bat and ball. If we couldn’t get him out, we had to get the other players out around him, and he would have to start playing shots and have a crack.
“We eventually got him.”
King top-scored for Ashfield with 39. Bolger and John Jensen took three wickets apiece.
Clayton, who said he was enjoying his time back at St Anthonys after playing with McIntyre Cup side Riddell last season, said the club as a whole had been strengthened this season.
“We pulled in quite a few players, and will be strong across all four grades,” he said.
“There are four or five who could play in the first 11 quite easily.
“Most of the blokes have played with other clubs across Melton,” he said.
“We lost two from the top side from last year, and gained six players. It strengthens the ones and goes through all the grades.”
Clayton said there was a hunger in the side to go one further than last year when they lost to Rupertswood in the grand final.
“It’s good to be back at the club,” he said.
“Last year, they had a good year … but it didn’t finish the way they wanted it to.
“We’ve retained 90 per cent of the side from last year, and they are hungrier than ever.
“We’re going to take it one game at a time and enjoy it.”
In other games, Lancefield defeated Bacchus Marsh, Wallan was too strong for East Sunbury and Macedon defeated Sunbury United.
In C-grade, Blackwood was defeated by GDCA newcomers Kyneton.
Kyneton made 7-194 off its 40 overs, with Blackwood bowled out for 107.
