Tara Murray
It was the Joel Thompson show in the opening round of the Northern Region T20 competition last week.
The Bundoora United recruit made a massive 127, which included 13 sixes and six fours, against Camrea on Tuesday night.
The Bulldogs posted 2-251 with Conlan Gunn providing a handy back-up to Thompson, finishing 79 not out.
It was a tough night all round for Camrea, which was bowled out for 56. Mitch McAuley put in a stunning bowling performance, taking 5-2 off his four overs for the Bulldogs.
Lalor Stars’ love of the T20 game continued in the opening round against Mill Park.
A grand finalist in this competition last season, the Stars were at their dominant best with the bat making 7-213 from their 20 overs.
Josh Nixon top scored with 47 as the three middle-orders scored 40s.
Mill Park fought hard, but finished well short, making 6-159. Brett Millane top scored with 37.
Thomastown United upset Rivergum in a thriller.
Thomastown made 5-151 for its overs with the Kookas falling just short, finishing 8-147. Kyl Ewart top scored for the Kookas with 64.
Epping made a winning start to the competition against Mernda.
Mernda made 7-104 with Josh Henkel taking three wickets for the Pingers.
Epping made the runs in the 18th over, finishing 5-109. Anthony Licovski top scored with 42.
Whittlesea had no issues against Laurimar.
The Power were bowled out for 114 with Darcy Bell and Mitchell Komen taking three wickets each for Whittlesea.
The Eagles finished 1-116 with six and a half overs remaining, with Nathan Fowler top scoring with 59.
Bundoora Park won the battle of the Bundoora teams, beating Bundoora.
The Bulls were bowled out for 89, with Garrett McDonagh and Rubal Singh-Dhillon taking three wickets each for Bundoora Park.
Bundoora Park then made easy work of the run chase, finishing 2-91, hitting the winning runs in the 11th over.
Ryan Millar finished 41 not out.
The Cobras also opened their account with a win, defeating the Old Paradians.
The Cobras made 5-147, with the Wolves falling short, finishing on 9-127. Chathura Milan top scored with 42 for the Wolves.
Other winners include Riverside, North Eltham Wanderers, Preston Baseballers, Holy Trinity, Rosanna, Heidelberg West, Banyule and Keon Park.
Round two will be held on December 15.
