It was an exciting start to the new competition made up of former Holbrook DCA and Brocklesby DCA clubs with some fine cricket played.

Henty opened its season in great fashion defeating The Rock Yerong Creek on the turf at Yerong Creek by commanding eight wickets.

After winning the toss and batting on an excellent wicket TRYC did well against the persistent Swampies attack to post a respectable 4/168.

Ben Willis top scored with 51, while Jack Driscoll (38) and Oscar Willis (32) added good support to go into the innings changeover reasonably placed.

The four wickets were all shared for Henty with Mark White and Bailey Martin both bowling economically at the end of the innings.

Henty skipper Mark White played a wonderful innings of 95no to spearhead the successful run chase with six overs to spare.

Martin capped off a good game with 34, while left-hander Shannon Terlich helped White finish the match off with 23 no.

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ONE of the early fancies, Walbundrie, flexed its batting muscle with a thumping 201-run win over a depleted Burrumbuttock, at Burrumbuttock.

Nick Molkentein led the way with an unbeaten 72, while former Leeton star Nick Morris made 52 before being run out. Alex McMaster also starred with 65.

Promising young Burrumbuttock quick Keith Tallent claimed three wickets while Michael Sivell took two as the Swans felt the full brunt of the Walbundrie batting strength.

In reply Burrumbuttock could only muster up 71 with Damian Wardius 3/20, Mason Collins 2/4 and Alex McMaster 2/16 doing the damage.

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HOLBROOK made a great start to its 150th-year celebrations by easily defeating last year’s HDCA premiers Osborne by eight wickets at Holbrook.

The Brookers, with several players returning to the club from CAW, and its emerging young talent who made it into last year’s grand final, are expected to do well.

Osborne skipper Nick Perryman won the toss and batted on a slow wicket and by its 40-over allocation had posted just 9/116.

Left arm spinner William Heriot did the bulk of the damage taking 4/15 off his eight overs. New recruit Eddie Edlinger on debut impressed with 3/23.

Opening bat Luke Richardson top scored for Osborne with 28, while veteran Darren Howard finished with 20 and Ryan Collins, 18.

The Holbrook run chase was a successful and reasonably quick one with Corey McCarthy (53 no) and Andrew Mackinlay, 42, leading the charge.

Heriot, who opened with McCarthy, made 17, as the Brookers posted the winning runs in just the twenty third over.

A highlight of the day was the appearance for Osborne of Port Adelaide star Dougal Howard who’s father Trevor played many seasons.

Howard who had a stellar season with the Power had a steady day making three with the bat, 0/32 off six overs with the ball and two catches.

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CULCAIRN run machine Steve Brand didn’t take long to stamp his authority in the new CAW Hume with a match winning innings against Lockhart, at Lockhart.

Brand made a polished 79 as the Lions posted 6/174 after winning the toss and batting.

Vince Chaffey, 31, and Norm Barlow, 30, were others to perform well.

The Argus boys were the best of the Lockhart bowlers with both Luke and Ryan finishing with two wickets.

In reply the locals never got going with Chaffey completing a fine double taking 4/23 off eight pacy overs.

Barlow was economical giving up just 18 in his eight overs.

Lockhart, after winning the last four premierships in the HDCA Division Two, were making their first appearance in the top grade for over a decade.

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RAND, after winning the final four premierships in the Brocklesby DCA, showed it will be a genuine contender again this year.

The Pigeons defeated the highly fancied Walla Walla by three wickets in a high scoring encounter at Walla Walla Sportsground.

After batting first Walla set the Pigeons a big task of 9/175 with Tom Simmons, 46, and Mark Taylor, 44, adding 90 for the third wicket.

Nathan IAnson was excellent for Rand taking 4/23, while Mitch Thomas and Clint Ralston both took two wickets.

Rand looked in big trouble when they were precariously placed at 7/124, before Chris Kreutzberger, 30 no, and Ralston, 22 no, got them home with 46 balls to spare.