This new D2s side has opened its account for the season with an impressive win against our old friends from Kenthurst on the one remaining day of a waterlogged Round 1.

Winning his first toss, our new skipper, Rob McBrien opted to bat, to see his boys notch up a healthy 174 in our allotted 35 overs, led by opener James McBrien (77) and Nigel Moore (50), who saw off the bulk of the Kenthurst bowling attack in a 90 minute, 121 run partnership for the second wicket.

Bowling for Kenthurst, veteran Joe Prince salvaged some credit late in the innings, taking 4 for 14 off four overs against our middle order, and being deprived of a hat-trick by P.K.Westerberg, of all people (renowned for his many Round 1 golden ducks!) - how unlucky can you get, Joe!

Kenthurst, in reply, put up a good fight with the bat, reaching 6 for 156 at the end of their 35 overs. Top scorers were David Hayward (51) and Ben Nicholson (35). Unfortunately their captain, Sam Mammone's determination to play the full 35 overs played against him, as, batting second, they found themselves having to play on in the fading light with the setting sun in their eyes for the last ten overs of the match.

Bowling for WPHC, Jeff Starr (2 for 21) and Duncan Moore (2 for 23) took the honours, with James McBrien (1 for 5) and Matt Thomas (1 for 15) chipping in. In just one over behind the stumps in seniors Ben Pilipowski collaborated with James McBrien to dismiss the Kenthurst skipper, for his first seniors caught behind. Congrats, Ben!

Finally it should be said that the standard of our fielding was first rate throughout. In this we were ably assisted by our three juniors, Nick Starr, and Lachlan and Cameron McBrien. Thanks a lot, lads.

One final note we can be pround of: coming off the field, Kenthurst skipper, Sam Mammone complimented us on the spirit in which we had played the game. Congratulations, boys, an a good job done well. This is just what one would hope for and expect from a West Penno team. All round, a great start to our season.

Posted by Peter Westerberg on September 27, 2006 12:34 PM