A BIG crowd turned out for Saturday’s history making Sunraysia Cricket Association twilight match at Alcheringa Oval between Workers Gol Gol and Mildura Settlers.
In perfect conditions, the grand final replay didn’t disappoint, despite both sides missing key personnel for the season opener.
In a high-scoring match, Workers gained some redemption for last season’s grand final loss to Mildura Settlers, defeating them by 37 runs.
Workers Gol Gol captain Adam Thomson said it was always important to get early wins on the board.
“You are always looking to bank as many wins as you can before Christmas,” Thomson said. “Setts are a really good side and to get a win over them in the first round is a real positive for us.”
Workers won the toss the elected to bat first and with Wade Hancock leading the way, they were able to post 9/211 off their 40 overs.
Hancock, who was dropped before he scored, made the most of his life – going on to score 67 off 60 balls.
Thomson said he was looking for big things from Hancock this season.
“We all know what a class player Wade (Hancock) is,” Thomson said.
“Having him for the whole season is going to be real positive for us.
“He missed a fair bit of cricket last year because he was relocating back to the area from Queensland.
“Just having him for the full season will be like having a new recruit.
“He just knows how to accumulate runs and is a real classy player.”
Thomson was also impressed with Setts’ new recruit John Pratt and expects him to improve as the season progresses.
Pratt has not played cricket for several years, but made a solid 19 in his first hit-out for his new club.
“Pratty looked good – you could tell he has some talent,” Thomson said.
“He looked real comfortable against the quick bowlers.”
Veteran Mark Cleary also made a successful return after 12 months off.
Cleary contributed 39 off 46 balls to top score with the bat for Setts and also took 2/30 off eight overs.
But despite his effort, Setts fell well short of their target, finishing their 40 overs at 9/174.
Tarque Williamson also had a good start to the season for the visitors claiming 4/31 off six overs and hitting a quick 30 off 35 balls with the bat.
