In wintry conditions at Minyip recreation reserve, the Horsham Cricket Association's reigning premiers announced their entry to this season's competition with a decisive victory over Rup-Minyip.
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It was always going to be a hard task to skittle the reigning premiers, but the home side fought valiantly.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, things couldn't have gone worse for Rup-Minyip as Bullants spearhead Tony Caccaviello tore through its top order.
Caccaviello had opener Jake Leith caught behind for a duck, before trapping Rup-Minyip number three Bailey Young leg before wicket not long after for one.
Under pressure from the Bullant's fierce bowling attack, Rup-Minyip young gun Connor Weidemann stood tall, with a gutsy 31 (66).
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Weidemann held his ground for 75 minutes before leg-spinner Shane Oakley broke through to take the crucial wicket with a turning delivery.
Lachlan Weidemann lasted for 88 minutes as wickets fell around him; notching up a stoic 13 (75) in an effort that resembled Rahul Dravid at his wall-like best.
Weidemann found a partner in Jack Boschen, whose quick fire 18 (40) staved off a sub-100 total for the home side.
It was not enough however, as both Weidemann and Boschen fell on 119.
Rup-Minyip were all out for 124 soon after.
In return, the Bullants were clinical; half-centuries to Justin Combe and Shane Oakley helping the reigning premiers cruise to victory in just 23 overs.
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Combe and Oakley used their innings to showcase a variety of shots, hitting eleven fours and three sixes between them.
Lachlan Weidemann was the best bowler for Rup-Minyip, snaring the wicket of Bullants opener Samuel Leith for just four.
Meanwhile, Jung are shaping up to be the team to beat as they cruised to a win at City Oval over West Wimmera.
Like Rup-Minyip, the Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, but it was a fateful decision.
At 6-28, things looked grim for the Warriors and it was up to the West Wimmera lower order to steady the ship.
Lead by Tim Braendler, 37 (75) the Warriors' tail wagged, with Luke Smith, 18 (24), and Austin Merrett, 17 (36), helping to salvage somewhat of a defendable total.
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However victory for the Tigers never looked in doubt as Jung cruised to 1-104 on the back of a half century to Brett Jensz.
Wins for the Tigers and Bullants set up what looks to be a mouthwatering top of the table clash next round at City Oval.
In the B Grade, Blackheath-Dimboola and the Colts continued their winning ways, while Rup-Minyip were too strong for the Saints.
Blackheath-Dimboola's Brodie Cramer took 5-19 in a blistering performance against Lubeck-Murtoa, earning career best figures.
Set a target of 151 by Colts, Laharum managed almost 120 in return, with Colts attack slicing Laharum's lower order to ribbons as they went from 5-93 to all out for 118.
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