Victoria’s mixed start at Championships

The team opened their account with a win over New South Wales in a two-day fixture, however, failed to defeat Western Australia in a one-day match.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, Victoria started shakily against New South Wales, losing 5-15 in the opening overs.

A 152-run partnership from White Hills’ Mitchell Winter-Irving (79) and Huntly North’s Alex Ward (73) put Victoria in good stead, helping them to a total of 234.

In reply, New South Wales’ Mitch Coombs (44) and Simon Moore (38) did their best to get their team over the line, however, a potent Victorian bowling attack led by Eaglehawk’s Richard Tribbett (4-30) saw NSW fall 20 runs short of the total.

Backing up his performance with the bat, Ward was also instrumental with the ball, claiming 3-37 from 14 overs.

“We really fought back well and it was pleasing to see the efforts put in from the whole team,” Victorian coach Jason Mathers said.”

In game two, Western Australia won the toss and elected to bat in the 50-over encounter.

A half-century from Jono Whitney and solid contributions from Tim Hutchison (40) and Ashley Abizzirri (32) took the West Australians to 250, all out in 49 overs.

In return, the Victorians couldn’t reach the total, dismissed for 157 in the 47th over with Ward top scoring on 34.
“Our fielding was good but we put down a couple of crucial chances,” Mathers said.

“We didn’t have a great start with the bat and just couldn’t recover.

“We will look to correct our top-order ahead of our match against Queensland.”

With a rest day at the Championships, Victoria will next face Queensland in a two-day match beginning tomorrow.

To see complete scorecard, click here.