By Tara Murray
Former Australian T20 star Dan Christian was the star of the show as the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition got underway.
Playing for Spotswood, Christian showed his batting prowess as he guided his side to a big win against Laverton in the Woodfull group of the round robin competition.
Christian made 103 in an innings which included seven fours and seven sixes, in Spotswood’s total of 3-179.
Laverton put up a fight, but fell short finishing 9-140.
Cooper Johnstone was the pick of the bowlers with 3-24 for Spotswood.
In the Ponsford group, it was a welcome return to the T20 format for Westmeadows.
Last season’s North West Metropolitan Cricket Association T20 champions, the Warriors started the this season’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association in fine fashion.
Facing Greenvale Kangaroos in the Ponsford group, the Warriors smashed the ball to all parts of the ground on the way to 7-180 off their overs.
Chinthaka Jayasinghe was the star, hitting 77 which included six fours and six sixes.
Liam James was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-21.
The Kangaroos were in trouble at 3-15, having lost both openers for ducks.
They never recovered falling well short, making 6-105. Matthew Kent finished unbeaten on 54.
Rhys Gleisner finished with 3-3 off three overs for the Warriors.
St Francis de Sales chased down PEGS total with nearly four overs remaining in the Simpson group.
PEGS made 6-102 from its overs, with St Francis de Sales chasing the total with ease finishing 1-103.
In the Chappell group, Sunshine Heights and Point Cook were the winners.
Sunshine Heights made 4-106 in reply to Altona Roosters 1011, while Point Cook finished 5-89 in reply to Sunshine 9-88.
In the Lawry group, Tullamarine lost to Keilor Park by six runs.
Keilor Park made 4-137 from its overs, with the Demons just falling short, making 7-131. Captain Buddhika Mendis top scored with 39 for the Demons.
Pascoe Vale Hadfield defeated Glenroy in the Border.
All other round ones matches will be played next week.
