THE long climb back up the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association ladder has begun for West Warrnambool.
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On Saturday at J.F. McLean Oval the Panthers drew first blood with a round one Twenty20 win over Allansford.
The Panthers produced a steady all-round performance to pull off an 11-run victory.
Under the guidance of new captain-coach Michael Townsend, the Panthers were able to keep ahead of the game for much of the day.
“Every time they looked like getting a run on with the bat we were able to get a wicket,” Townsend said.
“When they got any momentum we were able to do something to pull it back our way.”
Townsend won the toss and batted first and the Panthers were able to get a good contribution from their top order.
Ben Threlfall (35) Alastair Templeton (16), Michael Threlfall (40) and English recruit Ben Parker (26) were were all amongst the runs, lifting West Warrnambool to a score of 6-139.
“Our main objective with the bat was for our top two to get us off to a good start and not only were they able to do that but three and four also played well,” Townsend said.
“We thought if we could get to 140 then we had a strong enough bowling attack to win.”
That hutch proved correct with the depth of the West Warrnambool bowling talent allowing Townsend to call on nine bowlers throughout the innings.
That variety with the ball and a sharp performance in the field meant the Panthers were able to restrict Allansford to 5/128 from their 20 overs.
With the Panthers failing to make finals last season, this first-up win over Allansford is an early boost to their 2015/16 chances.
“We were really happy with the way we played against a very good side,” Townsend said.
“It will certainly give us a lot of confidence but we have another tough game coming up against Port Fairy so we will need to be ready for that.”
Port Fairy will also be coming off winning form after a 25-run win over Brierly Christ Church. Aaron Williams top scored with 45 for the Pirates while Kalon Wilkie produced a strong double with 36 runs and 2-23.
Josh Stapleton was in blistering form for Merrivale, making 98 not out as the Tigers defeated Wesley CBC by nine wickets.
Other round one winners were Nestles over East Warrnambool YCW, Woodford over Nirranda and Russells Creek were too good for Dennington.
