GRASSMERE made it back-to-back Warrnambool Under 17 Country Week wins yesterday.

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It recorded a shock 59-run upset against a red-hot South West at Jones Oval.

Grassmere team manager Wayne Hansford said Horsham Cricket Association duo Dan Clark (Minyip-Murtoa) and Tom McDonald (Horsham Saints) played key roles.

That pair, along with Saints’ Josh Carroll, joined Grassmere’s squad after Horsham failed to send a team.

Clark opened the batting against South West and made 43, while McDonald took 4-17.

Grassmere made 9-172, then skittled South West for 113.

Hansford said Grassmere was “over the moon” with its start to the tournament.

“Everything has been spot on,” he said.

“Good batting and our bowling has put other teams under extreme pressure.”

South West coach Matt Boyle said it was a disappointing result after a strong start against Warrnambool Gold on day one.

“We bowled first and Grassmere made 9-172, which was about 70 runs more than our bowlers should have let them get,” he said. “We were a little loose.”

Boyle said South West lost consistent wickets in its innings.

But he is quietly confident his team will respond against Wimmera-Mallee today.

“I think our boys just expected it to happen — this is the eye-opener they needed,” he said.

Warrnambool Gold responded from its day one defeat with a commanding 90-run win against Wimmera-Mallee at Avery’s Paddock.

Nick King (90 not out), Tyler Mungean (52) and Jack Clifford (29) starred with the bat as Warrnambool Gold posted 4-201.

Wimmera-Mallee was rattled for 111, with Xavier Szegi, Brad Worden and Callum Humphreys claiming two scalps each.

“We put together a complete performance today,” Warrnambool Gold coach Nathan Murphy said.

“Nick King made 90 not out. It was a tough performance at the start and he cashed in late.”

Warrnambool Blue’s Shannon Beks put in a strong all-round game to help his side to a 79-run win against Portland.

Beks made 38 runs in Warrnambool Blue’s first innings dig of 170 and took 5-8 to help dismiss Portland for 91.

“He bowled exactly where we asked him to bowl and he reaped the rewards,” Warrnambool Blue coach Andrew Bridge said.

“He had 4-1 after three overs. They were 1-33 and then 5-41.”