A MIDDLE-order partnership and clean fielding helped Grassmere Cricket Association start its Bendigo country week division two campaign on a winning note.
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Phillip Edwards and David West put on an 88-run sixth-wicket stand against Maryborough and District as the Tom Smith-captained side rallied from a shaky start on Monday.
Grassmere went on to post an 18-run win.
Edwards (45) and West (42) were the stars with the bat as Grassmere set 8-146, while Ken Jones’ 4-42 off 18 overs restricted Maryborough and District to 128 in reply.
Jones praised his teammates’ fielding, which included four run outs, labelling it crucial.
“It was a bit of a battle to get there (to the win) but the wickets started tumbling,” he said.
Jones said the victory put Grassmere in a solid position.
“You’re not on the back foot trying to chase wins,” he said.
A 149-run opening stand helped Grassmere to a 52-run win over Upper Loddon in division three.
Justin Coates and Jimmy Tarbolton both scored 77 runs.
Meanwhile, promising Woodford batsman Tommy Jackson was the shining light for Western Waves in their Cricket Victoria under 16 championships opener, blasting a patient 55 in their three-run loss to Northern Rivers. Nestles’ Bailey Jenkinson took 3-31 as Northern Rivers posted 180 batting first. Western Waves’ under 14 side also started with a loss to Northern Rivers, falling short by six wickets.
