Victoria lose pre season opener

Glendermott’s pitch was in great condition and the team were looking forward to dusting off the cricket gear. Captain Dave Reiman lost the toss and was sent in to bat by the opposition skipper.

Victoria’s innings got off to a bad start with Reiman caught behind in the first over. The other opener Robert Black followed shortly after also being caught behind in the third over. This brought Matt Parks and Darren Vennard to the crease who set about steadying the ship.

After six overs the scoreboard showed just 10 runs but over the next 10 overs Vennard and Parks started to build a solid foundation adding another 59 runs including several big sixes. After a 68-run stand Parks was finally bowled for 23 and was followed in the same over by Irwin also bowled.

After Josh Thornbury ran himself out Vennard brought up his half century with a huge six over the clubhouse but two balls later he was caught trying to repeat the dose. Jock McDowell and Ben Johnston looked steady before the former lost his patience and was caught and bowled. Johnston followed the very next ball bringing Stevie Girvan to the crease for the hat-trick ball which he survived.

Girvan and James McVey added 25 runs with boundaries and a six from McVey helping the scoreboard tick over. McVey was caught trying for another boundary and Girvan followed the very next ball leaving Mullin stranded at the non strikers end without facing a ball. Victoria’s total was 131 in the end which looked to be a few runs short.

Victoria’s defence started off well with Irwin taking a wicket in the third over. Vennard also created a few chances which the fielders were unable to take advantage of. After nine overs the hosts were 59 for one and looked to be cruising.

Mullin was brought in to the attack to no avail. Ben Johnston also had a go and bowled well without any luck. McVey picked up a consolation wicket but the hosts were just too good, cruising to an eight wicket victory.