There was no fairytale debut for Metung Swan Reach in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “A” grade competition, humbled by last year’s grand finalist, Meerlieu by 129 runs at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.
Sending the Tussocks in to bowl, the Swans struggled for early wickets and at 2/100 with premier batsman Rohan Blandford yet to walk to the crease, a score of more than 200 looked likely, Meerlieu eventually having to settle for 7/190 from its allotment of 45 overseas.
Jayanga Peiris, who crossed over from Bruthen this season, was lively at the top of the innings with 33 from 28 balls, as was former Zimbabwean under 19 player Connor Mitchell, who made a classy 51 from just 46 balls.
Despite the Swans putting the brakes on for a while late in the innings, a quick-fire 26 from Blandford off just 19 balls and a solid 20 not out from young Oliver Simpson saw the Tussocks post an above par score and the challenge was right back in Swans court.
Jordan Hack (2/53) and Nathan Yarde (2/19) were the major wicket takers for Swan Reach.
In reply Swan Reach was dismissed inside 20 overs for just 61 with only Harry Wyatt (19) and Reece Carstairs (14) showing any real resistance.
Wyatt played some exceptional shots at the top of the order and may be a player to watch in coming weeks.
Mitchell was again in the game with the ball, the left arm finger spinner finishing with match best figures of 5/18, while Simpson was to the fore, mopping up the tail and finishing with 3/15.
