The Northern Falcons and North West Wizards started the Victorian Bushrangers under-18 state cricket championships with big wins on Sunday.
The Falcons were too good for Central Highlanders, while the Wizards’ batsmen had a field day against Inner South East Scorpions.
Originally the group D match between the Falcons and Highlanders was scheduled to be played at Princes Park, Carlton, but the game was moved to Donvale after heavy rain in the lead-up.
After winning the toss, the Falcons chose to bowl.
It looked like a good move when the Falcons took two early wickets, including state player Matthew Underwood.
The Highlanders’ other state representative, Blake Thomson, set about settling his side.
Thomson made 87, helping push the total to 8-166.
Luke Joyce, with 4-34, was best of the bowlers.
The Falcons started well with the bat, getting to 36 before losing openers Darcy Cotter and Sebastian Contos.
That brought captain Ben Roughsedge and Joyce to the wicket. The pair steered the Falcons to 97 and Joyce continued to dominate before falling for 72 with his team requiring just three to win.
The Falcons got them, finishing at 5-181.
The Wizards’ batsmen dominated the group B fixture against Inner South East Scorpions.
Choosing to bowl first, the Wizards restricted the Scorpions to 9-166.
Nine Wizards players were given bowling opportunities, with Shaun Haffenden and Clayton Campbell taking two wickets each.
Samuel Laffan and Matthew Sipala raced past 70 in the Wizards’ opening partnership.
Laffan, whose junior club was Craigieburn, made 56 and Sipala 34. Once they departed, the pain didn’t let up for the Scorpions, with the Wizards scoring at nearly a run a ball.
Westmeadows’ Campbell top scored with 72 and Samuel Karamoshou made 40 on the way to 9-290.
The Falcons and Wizards were due to play their second matches on Monday.
The Falcons were to face South East Sharks, with the Wizards to do battle with the Barwon Rockets.
The final round of the group stage is on Tuesday.
