by Samuel Laffy
Catani (7/134) def. Hallora (59)
Early-season endeavours are often nervy, with timing slightly awry, game plans not yet solidified, and grounds not conducive to free-flowing scoring.
Indeed, conditions and pre-season rust can even out a lopsided match-up, but even taking this into account Catani recorded a stunning upset to start the 2025/26 season with the Cats recording a 75-run win over Hallora.
Having been sent into bat, Catani chipped away at the Halloran attack, the likes of Eli Richards (22), Liam Adams (22), Cameron Brown (23), and Riley McDonald (an energetic 28* late in the piece) combining for a competitive total of 7/134 at the conclusion of their 40 overs.
As noted by Catani's Cameron Brown, the side's ability to work together was crucial.
"A lot of contributions with the bat. Vela and McDonald's partnership was crucial (and) getting to 130 was great," he said.
For Hallora, Gamini Kumara once again highlighted his skill with a spell of 2/24, whilst recruit Josh Wilson snared 1/15 in his first appearance down under.
The Kangaroos would no doubt have been disappointed to let their opponents post a total of such magnitude but would nonetheless have begun their chase confidently.
However, when it was their turn with the bat they were completely outclassed.
Aidan Phillips and Brett Williams combined for a promising opening stand that saw 31 added without loss, but the dismissal of Phillips – caught off Daniel Glover – was the catalyst for an all-time collapse.
Only Kumara (a patient 13 from 35) was able to have even a modicum of impact as batter after batter came and went from the middle.
Glover (an exceptional stump-to-stump spell of 4/7 from 8), Mitchell Gregson (2/14 off 8), and McDonald (2/2 from 3) were nigh on unplayable.
In all, the Kangaroos lost a scarcely believable 10/28 to find themselves bundled out for 59 in the 30th over.
However, the club is looking to put this result aside as a mere outlier performance, as remarked by Brett Williams.
"Full credit to the Catani bowlers, they were phenomenal all day, in particular Daniel Glover who changed the game with that spell," he said.
"Essentially, we didn't fire a shot during our batting innings. Hopefully just a bit of round one rust. Our pre-season was strong so I've got full confidence that we will bounce back."
And whilst it's a cliché that early runs on the board are of the utmost importance, the round two clash between Hallora and Longwarry next weekend could well have a huge influence on how each club attacks the latter part of the home-and-away season.
Trafalgar (9/136) def. Drouin (8/135)
In the seco