WADE Hancock picked up where he left off last Sunraysia Cricket Association season, the Gol Gol star scoring an unbeaten century to open a new campaign.
The reigning premiers proved too strong for Mildura West winning by 112 runs at Alcheringa Oval, with Hancock’s 103 the first ton of the season.
Across First Division and Twenty 20 matches last season, Gol Gol’s number three scored a huge 1083 runs with two centuries and nine other scores over 50.
Brothers Sheldon (68) and Aidan Calarco (32) also showed strong form early, helping cover the absence of the injured Shac Thomas with a 58-run opening stand as Gol Gol finished on 3-242 from 40 overs.
“I didn’t expect it going in there, but it was just one of those days where things went my way,” Hancock said.
“I think it’s more about keeping myself relaxed now. When you’re younger you put so much pressure on yourself but now I have a bit more fun with it and don’t take it too
seriously.
“Following the start the Calarco boys made did make it easier. It was awesome to see Sheldon make his highest score for the club in the ones. And Aidan coming back from a season in the UK, I think can lead to a really big season for him.”
West debutants Akhil Donthireddy and Jack Probert showed some form with the ball, the former claiming team-best figures of 1/28 from eight overs.
In response West, missing injured coach Chris Williams, were dismissed for 130, with big-hitting Englishman Kian Burns’ 49 the leading light in the innings.
Spin twins Than Rajapakse (3-17) and Hayden Carroll (3-36) lead the wicket-taking for the victors.
The big upset of the opening round was at Mildura Sporting Precinct as Mildura East rolled last season’s grand finalist Irymple by three wickets.
The new home ground worked a treat for East as they chased down the 152 run target with three overs to spare.
Irymple looked on early with coach Bryson Lush (66) and David Filippi (26) amongst the runs, however, the rest of the order weren’t able to follow suit as the Swallows lost 6-20 at the back end of the innings.
Zane Hunt looked impressive with 3-22, even finding himself on a hat trick, while Tom Vadlja, Nick Dorman and newcomer Ryan Muir all claimed two wickets.
In the chase, the runs were shared across the order led by skipper Brad Thomas (25) and Nick Dorman (21) alongside 28 extras.
Coomealla Wentworth’s strong bowling unit were in full flight against Merbein, the Blues securing an eight-wicket victory at George Gordon Oval.
The Magpies had a tough time with the bat, all out for 74 inside 27 overs, Bevan Wade and Justin Freeman doing the most damage with 3-11 and 3-16 respectively.
An early 47-run stand between the brothers Wade, Bevan (32) and Colby (22) helped the Blues on to 2-76.
An impressive bowling performance from youngster Lewis Dichiera helped Nichols Point to a 76-run win over Mildura Settlers at the senior college.
Dichiera took 4-23 and Rylan Newey 3-29 as the Pointers knocked Mildura Settlers for 89 as they chased 166.
Setts newcomer Ankit Kashyap top scored with 19. Earlier, Point skipper Shaun Mathews (40) and Nick Blacker (34) impressed as openers to take their side to 5-186.
