By Dejan Kalinic
SYDENHAM/HILLSIDE started its George Luscombe Shield campaign in perfect fashion, winning both games on the opening weekend of the North West Cricket Association.
The Storm recorded a 40-run victory over Roxburgh Park on Saturday and a 49-run win over Gladstone Park the next day in the one-day games.
The late withdrawal of star batsman Warren Hackney failed to cause disruption and captain-coach Bob Kunesevic was full of praise for all-rounder Blake Charlton, who hit 64 against Roxburgh Park.
“The most pleasing bit was Blake took that role on when it was his job,” he said.
“With Hackney gone, Blake took it upon himself and he batted really well.
“He came in, turned the strike over and then started playing some big shots which was great.”
Hackney, last season’s Vince McCambridge Medal recipient, returned to dominate with a brilliant knock against Gladstone Park.
The Storm started well after winning the toss and batting, but the loss of two quick wickets left them at 2/62 before Charlton and Kunesevic (40) put on 79 for the third wicket.
Late hitting from Charlton and the middle order helped the total to an excellent 6/218.
Roxburgh cruised to 77 without loss before impressive newcomer Terry Bayly (1/9) had opener Bradley Lynch (40) caught.
Bayly and Kunesevic (2/27) slowed the run rate, forcing the pressure onto their opponents.
“We were fortunate enough to slow up the bowling. Terry’s bowling really changed the game for us,” Kunesevic said.
“During that period, we managed to strangle them and probably win the game during that area. We really made them put a lot of pace on the ball.”
The run-out of opposing captain Daniel English for three was vital.
Kunesevic was delighted with his team’s performance in the field.
“We ended up having two run-outs and we created a lot more,” he said. “It was the best we have fielded for a while.”
The tail wagged to help the visitors reach 8/178.
Hackney (84 not out) was sensational in helping Sydenham/Hillside to a dominant 7/257 against Gladstone Park, before opening bowler Charles Buttigieg (3/44) helped restrict the home side to 9/208.
Kealba-Green Gully registered a win and a loss in its start, twice setting modest totals.
Andrew Fernando (44) and Todd Newman (44) put on a 104-run partnership for the second wicket to set up the 8/169 total against Gladstone Park on Saturday, despite the best efforts of opening bowler Dean Pitts (4/25).
The Cougars took early wickets to help defend the total and win by 39 runs, with Matthew Scalzo (2/9) doing the early damage.
But Sunday’s total of 115, including a 34 from Luke Burton Clay, was not enough against Roxburgh Park.
The Cougars again started well with the ball to have Roxburgh reeling at 5/20 before wicketkeeper Jarryd Garvin (49 not out) steadied the innings and saw out the victory with 38 balls and four wickets to spare.
