The Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers A Grade have hit the ground running for a WDCA title defence with a strong victory over Rovers United Bruck in the Grand Final rematch at home at Stan Hargreaves Oval last Saturday.
The tone in the field was set early with Ben Welsh nailing the early direct hit run out.
Youngsters Xavier Mitchell and Van Kreeck both impressed with the ball taking wickets whilst Brock McCabe was up to his usual tricks taking three important wickets.
With the bat, it was Ben Welsh again who took control with a solid 30 in the low run chase.
To finish off the first match of season 2024/2025, Lakers claimed a 41 run victory, 10/135 to Rovers United Bruck 10/94.
A Reserve claim first scalp
The Lakers 2nd XI made the trip over to the Lords Recreation Reserve in Mansfield to take on Delatite. Disappointingly, Captain Brendan Hill lost the toss as Delatite chose to bat.
Andrew Dishot and Hill took the new ball and prevented the batsmen from gaining an advantage early.
Leg spinner, Aneeque Azam struck first thanks to a screamer from Alc Buerckner at mid-off.
Dishot and TJ Docking took the next two wickets to hold the opposition at bay. Magician fast bowler Ollie Connell gave the Lakers an upper hand, deceiving the batsmen, taking three middle order scalps.
After a few heavy blows from lower order batsmen, Tom Lovel trapped him LBW. After their allotted overs, Delatite finished 7/142.
Following a wonderful arvo tea spread, Fraser Smart and Azam began the Lakers chase. The round 1 nerves were evident as Azam, Buerckner, Cope, O'Brien, and Lovel all fell for single figures, leaving the Lakers 2s at 5/63 early on.
Fitness freak Fraser Smart proved that a big pre-season brings rewards as he punished anything short.
His partnership of 82 with all-rounder Mitch Collins Bye proved the difference in the game as they finished on 73 and 42 respectively.
The runs didn't stop there with Hill, Connell, and Docking keeping the pressure on adding 63 for the last 3 wickets, finishing 9/233 off the 40 overs.
Not a super convincing performance from the 2s, but a win nonetheless, onwards and upwards from here.
Next week is a bye before hosting Wang Magpies on Stan Hargreaves.
B Grade
Merton 7/125 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/128.
Under 14 Bulls in game to end
Yarrawonga Mulwala 4/75 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 7/114.
Benalla won the toss and sent the young Bulls side into bat on a perfect pitch at the Stan Hargraves oval. Yarra/Mul batted first and made a steady 4/75 off their 20 overs with skipper Darcy top scoring with 15.
This was always going to be a tough ask to defend against a quality Benalla side who went onto make 7/114. The Bulls boys never gave up and were in the game until the end.
Bowling well to try and defend a low total, Blair was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/3 off 3 overs.
It was a great to see a few debutants in Finn Wood and Tyce Woodhead play their first game for the Lakers and take a wicket in the process.
Next week the boys move onto a 40 over match which they will be better for after their first up match.
Under 14 Rams
City Colts 3/74 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/45.
The Rams travelled to Barr Reserve to play against City Colts. Due to a couple of unavailabilities, Eamon Pickering came in from the Under 12s and Harry Ramsdale joined the team (much to his grandfathers delight).
Taj Parker and Wally Hammond led the side as the captains for the week. After losing the toss the lads were sent into bat.
Ryder Leith was the standout with the bat. He demonstrated poise and aggression on his way to a top score of 21.
Wally Hammond, Harry Ramsdale and Lucus Pickering all picked up a wicket in what was a really strong bowling performance.
Next week the Rams travel to Barkley Park in Rutherglen.
Under 12 Bulls
Benalla Bushrangers 2/88 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 8/97.
Under 12 Rams
Delatite 4/64 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/121.