PROMISING all-rounder Tom Mahony was the catalyst for Grassmere Cricket Association’s first Bendigo Country Week win yesterday.
The Panmure Pups teenager steered GCA to a one-wicket win against Red Cliffs in division three at North Bendigo oval.
Mahony, 17, took 2-7 and smashed 66 off 49 balls.
He hit 14 fours coming in at number four.
“The bowlers helped me out putting it in the right spot,” Mahony said.
“We had a pretty good start and I came in and kept going with it.”
Mahony said the win gave the Bendigo Country Week newcomer added confidence.
“It was a good start for the lads and it will hold us in good stead for the rest of the week,” he said.
Mahony’s efforts followed on from his successful Warrnambool Under 17 Country Week campaign, where he hit 110 in the GCA’s division two grand final win against Warrnambool.
“I’m having a good 2013,” he said.
Red Cliffs made 9-152, with Mailors Flat’s John Barnes taking 4-54.
GCA team manager Norm Gibson said the side limped home, finishing all out for 162, after a strong start with the bat.
“It got a bit hairy. We lost 3-0 and needed one run,” he said.
“We lost the sixth wicket at 150, the seventh wicket at 152, the eighth wicket at 152 and the ninth wicket at 152.
“We were level when we lost 3-0 but Brian Wilson and Tim Bryce got us over the line.”
Gibson said it was the ideal start to GCA’s Country Week campaign. GCA plays Maryborough in round two today.
SCOREBOARD
Red Cliffs 9/152 lost to Grassmere all out 162.
DIVISION 3 LADDER
AFTER ROUND 1:
Goulburn Murray Colts17.27
Maryborough15.66
Grassmere15.42
Red Cliffs4.14
Northern United2.89
Northern District Colts 2.88
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au