Anglesea sent an ominous warning to the rest of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade teams with a powerhouse batting performance led by former Drysdale all-rounder Brett Harding.
Harding started slowly and didn’t get off the mark until the 31st delivery he faced, but got going and was at his powerhouse best with an unbeaten 94 from 102 deliveries in the Seas’ total of 6/198.
It was the opening day of local cricket and Anglesea hosted Ocean Grove in a game that promised much, but Mother Nature finally intervened when rain forced the premature end of the match with both sides sharing the six points.
Harding hit five sixes in his innings while Ned Cooper looks set for another season of big scores with 57 from 90.
Jackson Kent was the pick of the Ocean Grove bowlers and although he didn’t take a wicket, he conceded just 17 from his eight overs.
In reply, the Grubbers were 4/110 with 59 balls remaining and 89 runs still needed.
Fletcher Keck was unbeaten on 32 from 48 and looks capable of a breakout season.
Collendina fell to A1 Grade newcomers Inverleigh.
Only three Cobras made it to double figures in the team’s total of 75 all out with Cam Kevaliunas the best with 33 from 39. Collendina was dismissed in just the 20th over after electing to bat first.
Inverleigh faced few problems during the run chase, being 3/77 from only 13 overs with Jasper George setting the tone with 42 from 27 although Charlie Lamb bowled well, taking 2/26 from six overs.
Jan Juc gun Ben Grinter started the season off in fine fashion by compiling a superb 79 from 108 balls in the Sharks’ total of 187 against Barrabool.
However, rain ruined what was turning out to be a very good match with Barrabool 0/37 from eight overs in its run chase.
Rain also robbed St Leonards of a first-up win against Queenscliff.
Opener Andrew Spenghler was at his hard-hitting best with a whirlwind 76 while Steve Grey compiled 46 in the Saints’ score of 6/223.
Queenscliff was 4/82 in the 27th over when rain ended play.
