REIGNING Horsham Cricket Association under-16s premier Horsham Saints kickstarted its 2014-15 under-16.5s season in style on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Saints dismissed Rup-Minyip for just 24 on the first day of their two-day match at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, before reaching 3-87 at the close of the play.
Coach Jeremey Byrne said it was a good way for his side to start.
"It was a very solid all-round performance from everyone, particularly in the field and with the ball," he said.
"It's just reward for all their hard work in the lead-up to the season."
The Saints younger players made their mark early.
Zac Hamerston, who stepped up from the under-14s after playing a handful of under-16s games last season, took the new ball and finished with figures of 4-8 from four overs.
Under-14s player Corey Smith also chipped in, claiming three wickets.
Jed Lehmann, Jono Carroll and Brock Hamerston all picked up a wicket each.
In reply, another under-14s player in Mitch Martin was unbeaten on 26 after opening the batting.
Tom Wentworth, 19, Matt Burns, 13, and Josh Hedt, 11 not out, all reached double figures.
Rup-Murtoa bowlers Corey Chenoweth, Jake Ballagh and Riley Keel picked up a wicket each.
West Wimmera Cricket Association also started well against Blackheath-Dimboola at Davis Park, Nhill.
Openers Todd Alexander, 29, and Lucas Dahlenburg, 23 not out, led West Wimmera to 2-72 from its 23 overs.
Bulls' bowler Trent McGough picked up the wicket of Alexander and had a hand in a run out.
In reply, the Bulls reached 7-68 from their 22 overs.
Ollie Timms led the Bulls batting with 18 runs, while Will Barber chipped in with 10.
West Wimmera's Jack Crowhurst picked up 2-2 from two overs, with Louis Preston, Liam Preston and Shanaye Alexander all taking a wicket.
Jung Tigers will play Natimuk at Dimboola Road oval on Sunday.In the under-14s, Blackheath-Dimboola leads Rup-Murtoa at the halfway point of their match at Dudley Cornell Park.
Both sides have batted for 20 overs, with Rup-Murtoa on 4-35 and Blackheath-Dimboola on 2-104.
Horsham Saints Red and Jung Tigers are evenly positioned after day one at Dimboola Road oval.
The Tigers scored 4-82 from 20 overs, with Saints Red reaching 2-88 in reply.
Horsham Saints Black has the edge over Natimuk after the first day's play at Coughlin Park.
Under-14s matches will resume on Friday night. Natimuk reached 6-35 from its 20 overs, with Saints Black 1-86 in reply.