REIGNING division one champion Warrnambool Gold showed grit to start its under 17 Country Week campaign with a win.
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The John Houston-coached side recovered after a shaky start with the bat to post a 91-run win against West Wimmera yesterday.
Houston said Warrnambool Gold slumped to 5-52 before Adam Sell (75 not out), skipper Ben Threlfall (46) and Ben Rantall (25) guided it to a defendable 7-193 at Dennington.
West Wimmera, the 2012 division two premier, was then limited to 8-102, with Shaun Smith’s 22 the best with the bat.
“It was really pleasing to put the score on the board and we bowled really tight,” Houston said.
“It is always good to get off with a win, it gives you positive momentum, although last year we won it and lost the first two.”
Wimmera-Mallee will take confidence into its round two clash with Warrnambool Gold today after its solid win against Horsham.
It declared at 8-119, then dismissed Horsham for 55.
Wimmera-Mallee batted a second time, making 3-199.
“They might be an up and about side so it could be a good game,” Houston said.
Warrnambool Blue made it a perfect start for the host association, winning its battle against neighbouring South West at Camperdown.
The Andrew Bridge-coached side restricted South West to 133 before going on to post 9-151, with Jayden Stokie retiring hurt.
South West bat Jack Osborne hit a number of sixes in his knock of 35.
Warrnambool Blue’s Matt Price took three wickets, while all other bowlers claimed at least one scalp.
Bridge said Warrnambool Blue middle order bat Jye Turland lifted the team following an average start.
“We were 4-68 when he came in and when he went out we were 134,” he said.
“He and Jack Primmer put on a partnership of 60. Between the two of them they steadied it for us.
“Extras were a big scorer for both teams — they top-scored for them and were second top scorer for us.
“It was a good game overall and played well.”
Luke Pekin snared 3-16 for South West.
In division two, Grassmere recorded an eight-wicket win against Casterton.
Grassmere’s Lachlan Glare took 4-0 and Kallan Melican 2-9, while Tom Mahony top-scored with 66.
Warrnambool outclassed South West in the other division two match.
After restricting South West to 101, Warrnambool batsman Ryan Youl made an impressive 79 as his side posted 8-247.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au