Horsham Cricket Association falls short on opening day of 2021 under-15 country week

Dudley Cornell Park welcomed a grand final rematch between Warrnambool Blue and Horsham Blue - HCA's premier side - and the hosts quickly took the fight on.

Openers Max Bunworth and Will Gellatly toiled hard but found runs hard to find against a quality new ball attack.

Connor Weidemann (16) would eventually up the scoring rate, but when he departed at 4-42 the game hung in the balance.

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Warrnambool's spinners seized the opportunity, taking the pace out of the game to great effect.

Horsham's batters were strangled out at the end, falling away to 60 all out.

There was little the hosts could do to restrict the chase, with Warrnambool's openers having a day to remember.

The visitors reached the total in the ninth over and batted on, eventually posting a 162-run opening stand.

Baxta Hendy (2-21) was the only bowler to take multiple wickets; Warrnambool Blue closing their innings on 6-258.

At Sunnyside, Horsham Red had a tough opening day against another premier side in Warrnambool Gold.

The hosts were dismissed for 29 by a high-quality bowling attack.

Wilson Mitchell (2-29) was the best with the ball, as Horsham Red put in a valiant effort in the field.

Wimmera-Mallee opened its week with a confidence-boosting win against South West.

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Hunter Connolly (4-12) excelled with the ball to help restrict South West to 8-173.

Jimmy Duxson (85) and Hugh Sait (45) got Wimmera-Mallee to within touching distance, thanks a 149-run opening stand.

Handy contributions from the lower order got the victors over the line.

At Warrnambool, Horsham opened its under-17 carnival with a 43-run win against Wimmera Mallee.

Will Drummond knocked a patient half-century, and was ably supported by Lachie Weidemann (26) and Jett Hopper (22).

Will Burke (3-20) and Patrick Sheahan starred to help dismiss their Horsham neighbours for 176.

Vital middle-order runs from Aaron Schofield (22) and Ned Gorrie (22) kept the chase interesting, but were ultimately victims of the increasing scoreboard pressure.

Paddy Mills claimed game-high figures of 3-11, as Wimmera-Mallee fell away to 133 all out.

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