Tara Murray
Sydenham-Hillside upset St Albans in the opening round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.
The Storm, who were the division 3 premiers last season, were able to hold off last season’s senior premiers on Tuesday night under lights in the Border group.
This year there are three teams in each pool group based on location, instead of four like last season, meaning one team has a bye each round.
On Tuesday night, the Storm batted first and made 6-125 off their overs. Gayashan Weerasekara finished 58 not out, with Ben Green making 23.
The Saints fell just short, finishing 7-110.
Greenvale Kangaroos kicked off their campaign with victory against Westmeadows in the Ponsford group.
The Kangaroos made 6-120 before restricting Westmeadows to 9-108. Last season’s runners-up, Sunbury is also in that pool group.
Spotswood opened its account with a win against the Altona Roosters in the Simpson group.
The Roosters made 9-128 with a number of starts from the top and middle order batsmen. Captain-coach Ash Peters top scored with 28 at the top of the order.
Spotswood’s top three got the job done as they finished 1-129 off 15.3 overs
Declan O’Brien top scored with 55 not out, while Jakson Knight and Jarryd Vernon were also in the runs.
In the Morris group, Keilor Park came out on top against the more highly fancied Strathmore by 10 runs.
The Devils made 7-144 with a half century to Ethan McShanag.
Strathmore fell just short, making 5-134. Chris Williams made 50 for Strathmore.
Grand United had a good win against Aberfeldie Park in the Paine group.
Grand United made 9-126 with Ross Romeo taking two weeks. Grand United was able to restrict Aberfeldie Park to 9-81.
Airport West St Christophers defeated Aberfeldie, while West Coburg and Haig Fawkner’s match was called off due to a soft pitch.
Many round one matches were played over the previous few weeks, with some really good results.
The results include Royal Park Brunswick defeating Jacana, St Francis de Sales beating Pascoe Vale Central, last season’s winner Sunshine United easily accounting for Sunshine YCW, Seddon getting over the line in a thriller against Yarraville Club and Sanctuary Lakes easily accounting for Footscray Angliss.
Point Cook snuck home in a low scoring thriller against Bellbridge, Footscray United beating Sunshine Heights and Tarneit Central winning with ease against Werribee Centrals.
The second round of matches are scheduled for this Tuesday.
