Nerrena off to flying start at the Velodrome

A Grade, Division 1

It was a comfortable round one victory for Nerrena at the Velodrome on Saturday, as last year’s ladder leaders proved too strong for Phillip Island.

Having won the toss and sent the Island in to bat, Nerrena struck early when Shem Murphy removed danger man Daniel Mock for a duck.

“That really got the ball rolling for us,” Nerrena’s Zack Trease said.

“We got a few wickets and run outs towards the end.”

Connor Epifano top-scored for Phillip Island with 30, while Kurt Lane briefly lifted the innings with two sixes in the opening stand. But Nerrena’s attack, led by Murphy, kept the pressure on and ensured the Island never built momentum.

In reply, Nerrena’s top order took charge from the outset.

“We had Jack Curtis and Mitchell Clark batting, and they were in control from ball one. Jack made 52 runs, and Mitchell steadied the ship to get the runs we needed in the 19th over. It was a cruisy win.”

According to Trease, “it was good to get the win in round one.”

Nerrena will take the bye this weekend, while Phillip Island hosts Town in Cowes.

Inverloch too strong for Imperials

Inverloch claimed the points against Imperials, with the bowlers dominating on both sides.

Imperials’ president, Kristian Gray, said his team failed to capitalise after a solid start.

“We started well, but we had around five guys bowled out,” Gray explained.

“We had made around 30 for the first wicket, but then we lost six wickets for about 20 runs. Noah McLennan and Gary Sauvarin got us to a respectable score, but it was still going to be hard to defend.”

According to Gray, Ty Debono bowled well for Inverloch.

“Tim Sauvarin took two wickets, Lachie Wright bowled well early, and Jack Ginnane’s back bowling was good.”

A confident Inverloch were in control of the game, according to the club.

Inverloch praised their younger brigade, with Rhys Newman and Debono leading the attack, while debutants Ron Abeysinghe and James McNamara impressed, the club noting they “had the game under control for the day.”

Heading into the season, the Imperials are looking forward to their Woolies Blast program, which will start on Thursday, October 16, with Gray noting there is still time to register and space for all. 

As for Inverloch, they are looking forward to a competitive match-up against Wonthaggi Club this weekend, whilst behind the scenes, the club is “highly-focused” on fundraising for major infrastructure projects at the ground. 

Leongatha Town – Bye

After sitting out last week with a bye and a washout, Leongatha Town will begin their campaign this weekend across all three grades.

“With a mix of youth and experience across the three teams, they will look forward to competing hard and hopefully coming away with the three wins,” secretary Luke Ashton said.