Only the Norm Reeves Shield fixture was able to be played on the weekend because of poor weather in the lead-up to the game.
Upwey-Tecoma Cricket Club’s 1st XI travelled down the road to the reigning premier Lysterfield to kick off their season.
Captain Jackson Waters, won the coin toss and elected to bat.
It was a solid start by the opening pair of Hunter Greenall and Andrew Evans, making it to 0/30 off 9 overs before the loss of Greenall for 20 sparked a top-order collapse. From 0/30, Upwey-Tecoma crashed to 5/54 and never really recovered, all out for 92 in the 38th over.
It was going to take something special to defend the small total against a strong opposition and Upwey-Tecoma had the perfect start.
Opening bowlers Cam Wheeler and Steve Collard claimed an early scalp each to have the Beavers wobbling at 2/15. However, that was to be the extent of Upwey-Tecoma’s joy with the ball.
Lysterfield didn’t lose another wicket in the chase to cruise to a commanding victory, sending a strong message that they’ll again be the team to beat in 2022/23.
Upwey-Tecoma’s next fixture is at home to The Basin this Saturday, as we look to bounce back and claim our first win for the campaign. Hopefully the weather is kind and we can get all grades on the field.
Lysterfield 2/92 (N.Walsh 53*) def Upwey-Tecoma 92 (B.Walsh 3/10)
