by Samuel Laffy
Catani (2/126) def. Drouin (8/124)
Catani's astonishing start to the 2025/26 season continued on the weekend, with the Cats once again putting in a dominant display against a top four side from last summer.
On the flip side though, Drouin will be left licking their wounds once again after another disappointing loss that is at odds with preseason expectations.
Batting first, Drouin had plenty of players make starts in their top order with the likes of Ben Spicer (29), James Wilcock (21), and Damon Healy (20) all settling into their respective innings, but the combined pressure from the Catani attack meant that none of the trio were able to properly establish themselves.
Daniel Glover (3/25 from 7) was once again in wonderful form and Cameron Brown (2/22 off 8) was able to provide able support.
An inability to protect the stumps – with four batters dismissed bowled – was a major issue for the Hawks and they could only manage 8/124 from their 40 overs.
Whilst the Cats had done well to stymie run scoring, Drouin's attack contains a number of proven match winners. It meant the beginning of their chase was a nervy affair, as Cody Miller was removed for just three by Troy Lehman.
However, Eli Richards' presence ensured that the Hawks were rather wayward in their new ball salvo, and he took full toll on a series of loose deliveries.
With Ned Harrison (26) chiming in with a handy knock, Richards quickly grew in confidence began to accelerate his scoring and after just 28 overs the Cats reached victory at 2/126.
He arrived to the WDCA an expected matchwinner, and after somewhat underperforming to date, his 75* will go a long way towards consolidating his reputation, reflected by Cameron Brown's post-game remarks.
"A great result for the club today, we played our brand of cricket. Eli's innings was great at the top, hit the bad balls and was very smart with the way he went about it. (He) has the potential to be one of the best batters in the competition," he said.
Longwarry (9/171) def. Hallora (7/170)
Longwarry's exploits with the bat have been a source of frustration for the club in recent seasons, but the Crows' nail-biting run-chase against Hallora will no doubt act as inspiration moving forward following their one-wicket win.
Staring down a challenging pursuit of 7/170 - a total made possible for the Kangaroos by Aidan Phillips (a 53-ball 46), Gamini Kumara (a distinguished 45), and 32 from Andrew Donohue - Longwarry enjoyed a rollicking start to their innings as Vidusha Hettiarachchige Don and Jason Hameeteman attacked the new ball attack.
Hameeteman (who drove the ball powerfully on the up through the infield) was first to depart, with his stumps upset by Josh Wilson, but Yashan Samarasinghe (49) continued to keep the runs ticking.
However, the decision to introduce spin into the attack paid dividends for Hallora in their quest to break the Crows' momentum, as Grant Duncan (2/22 from 8) and Andrew Donohue (3/32) delivered two clinical spells to hand the initiative back to the Kangaroos.
At 4/159 the result still looked beyond doubt but Samarasinghe's dismissal – trapped in front from a skidding delivery from Donohue – sent waves of panic through the lower order and wickets quickly tumbled.
The 40th and final over of the day began with Longwarry 8/165, and the odds swung in the Crows' favour as Jonah Serong struck two twos to quickly narrow the gap.
Harrison McConnell was unperturbed however, and breached the defences of the Longwarry all-rounder.
A scampered single levelled the scores with one delivery remaining, leaving Crows recruit Liam Webb on strike.
McConnell went for a yorker outside off, but Webb was up to the task, squeezing the ball out and sprinting the winning single to seal Longwarry's victory.
For Hallora, the loss will see pressure build on the squad to match preseason expectations and they will be keen to atone for their two early losses against Trafalgar next weekend.
Longwarry, meanwhile, face early-season surprise packets Catani in what will surely be a hard-fought contest.
Trafalgar (7/142) def. Iona (141)
It took an entire season for Trafalgar to register two victories last summer, but a rejuvenated Ships outfit made it two wins from two in the season anew, taking home a three-wicket win over Iona.
It was once again an all-round team effort that provided the spark for Trafalgar, with a host of unexpected contributors leading the way.
As noted by Liam Durkin post-game, the XI that took to the field was nowhere near the expected squad at selection in a rushed preparation for several involved.
"It was a good win full of character given how makeshift the XI was. Some serious improvisation was needed on our past as five forced changes were made, two on Saturday morning," he said.
As it was, Durkin himself - playing his 200th senior game - starred after being thrown into an unfamiliar role, playing the role of destroyer as first-change bowler (a stark contrast to his usual rhythm as a gritty opening bat).
Trapping Fletcher Pallot in front, he then lured veteran Graeme Rankin into a loose stroke and capped off his spell by removing the dangerous Carter Davis (who was the standout bat for the Swamp Tigers with an ostentatious 54).
His spell of 3/19 - in combination with Michael Fitchett (3/30) - ensured Iona weren't able to truly break the shackles, posting a middling total of 9/141.
In reply, the Ships pursuit was led by Alex McKenna - whose 49 highlighted much of the strokeplay that caused Trafalgar to recruit him - and handy knocks of 32 from Aiden George and 22 to Rhys Holdsworth (who brought up 8000 career runs for his club during his innings).
The run chase wasn't without drama however, as Jackson Clerks (2/27) and Liam Lenders (2/18) made regular incisions that sent some minor panic through the dressing room, but Fitchett was able to blast two consecutive boundaries to seal the win in the 37th over.
Western Park (5/182) def. Ellinbank (105)
Western Park's recent dominance over Ellinbank continued on Saturday, the Warriors' 77-run win again highlighting their ability to adapt to any game situation.
Batting first, the Park's endeavours were made endlessly easier by a 106-run opening stand between Greg Munro and Gavin Roulston.
As noted by Western Park leader Sam Batson, the duo's start to the summer has been nothing less than impervious.
"It's a big luxury to be able to slide Greg up the order, he's hitting the ball as well as I've seen him to start the year. And Gav is just picking up where he left off last year - I wouldn't particular say he's finding the middle of the bat consistently, which is a scary prospect. His attitude and willingness to bat in partnerships has been incredibly impressive."
Whilst Jeremy Gray (3/21) and Nick Fairbank (1/18 off 5) were able to reduce the impact of the middle order in the 'death' overs, Western Park's total of 5/182 was always going to prove a challenging chase, especially considering the injury suffered by Daniel Pandolfo.
As it was, only Sean Masterson (who compiled a classy 37) was able to truly settle against the Warriors attack, and a host of early wickets meant the Eagles were never in the hunt.
Jason Croft returned to his best with 3/21 opening up, and Ellis Whiteford shrugged off an indifferent start to his summer with 3/18.
Sam Batson even chimed in with a scalp in a surprising bowling appearance, with the all-rounder battling a lower leg injury that looked set to sideline him for an extended period.
In the end Ellinbank could only make their way to 105 before being dismissed in the 35th over.