PADDY Keogh led Sunraysia to victory in their opening-round match of Melbourne Country Week against Hamilton District Cricket Association yesterday at Henry Turner Reserve.
Batting at No. 4, Keogh blasted 80 off 104 balls as Sunraysia posted 5/266 off their allotted 50 overs.
The talented Mildura Settlers teenager was at his brilliant best during his 137 minutes at the crease, hitting eight boundaries and one six.
Keogh received good support from in-form opener Brad Thomas, who made a patient 56 off 96 deliveries, the pair featuring in a 79-run third-wicket stand.
But the real action started when Bevan Wade was sent in to lift the run rate late in Sunraysia’s innings.
The big-hitting Coomealla Wentworth all-rounder was in devastating form, pummelling the Hamilton bowling attack to all parts of the boundary on his way to an unbeaten 72.
Wade’s late cameo featured eight boundaries and two sixes and lasted just 39 minutes.
He was well supported by Josh Berry (20) and Braidyn Turner (17).
In reply, Hamilton started poorly, losing two early wickets, but regrouped thanks to 53 by Tobi Cook and a quick 66 off 69 balls by Jordi Withers.
Withers looked dangerous in the middle order but his dismissal, trapped leg before by Locke Thornton, diminished any hope Hamilton had of chasing down Sunraysia’s big first-innings total.
Thornton finished the match with 1/33 off his 10 overs while Shaun Mathews was economical, claiming 1/32 off his 10 overs.
Opening bowler Brak Zambelli also toiled hard, finishing with 2/29 off nine overs, while Turner was an unlikely hero with the ball, capturing 3/38 off his eight overs, including the last wicket of the innings.
Sunraysia used seven different bowlers before eventually dismissing Hamilton for 217 in the 48th over.
Sunraysia will now face Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association today at Yarraville Oval in the second of three preliminary-round matches.
Bellarine Peninsula also had a win in their opening round, easily defeating South West Cricket Association.
Sunraysia’s final match will be against South West before semi-finals start on Thursday, with the final being played on Friday at Chirnside Park.
The last time Sunraysia won a final at Melbourne Country Week was back in 2015 when they also played in the Division 3 section.
