Redbacks defanged as Avenel scores opening round SDCA win

By Adam Miller

Oct 15, 2024

Avenel travelled away to Alexandra on Saturday and came away with a win. Photo by Alison O'Connor

Avenel has started its Seymour District Cricket Association B-grade campaign with a win against Alexandra.

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Sent in to bat at Leckie Park in Alexandra on Saturday, Avenel openers Aaron Kent and Gus Leunig got the visitors off to a solid start of 0-27 before James Geldart and Matthew Wal clean-bowled them for 15 and 12 respectively.

It was 20 overs of solid starts but no standout scores for Avenel as Warren Dowley (19), Harrison Wall (12) and Jamison Black (14) kept the scoreboard ticking over at a consistent but not rapid pace.

As with many of the region’s teams, Avenel’s senior squad is a mixture of experienced and new players. Photo by Contributed

With time restriction cutting the visitors’ innings short, the Redbacks had 17 overs to chase 105.

SDCA juniors representative Christian Papi showed his credentials immediately with the ball, clean bowling Tim Polson for a duck just balls into Alexandra’s inning.

Levi Ronalds and Matthew Wal likewise ended up back in the pavilion shortly afterwards courtesy of Oliver Valladarés and Liam Callegari.

Alexandra captain Michael Mawson shined with the bat, scoring 42 not out, but it was not enough as Avenel ran out the winner by 25 runs.

Next up for Avenel is an away game against Seymour at Chittick Park, while Alexandra travels to Yea.