The Delta Agribusiness opening match played at Albert Park on Saturday saw the Crusaders win by 70 runs.  

The Crusaders who are the defending premiers in this competition won the toss and batted and after being, 3/11 recovered to make 152 with Darren Connell showing his class top scoring with 62.

The Coyotes, playing with just eight players, made 7/82.

With the withdrawal of the Central Hotel last week, and the Blues from Young not reforming, the SWSCL A grade competition has been reduced to just three teams.

In guiding his team to a competitive total, Darren Connell was associated in three important partnerships.

Coming to the wicket with the score at 11 in the third over, Connell and Nathan Corby added 42 runs for the fourth wicket.

Corby showed what an asset he will be scoring a quick fire 22.  

Connell then added 28 with James Smith and finally 38 runs for the 6th wicket with Phil Gay. Connell’s knock of 62 was scored from 82 balls and his innings included five fours and a six.

Gene Kessell making his debut for Crusaders boosted his teams total with a very quick 25, his innings included five fours.

Bowling honours were evenly shared by the Coyotes.  Cal Taylor captured 3/32 from his ten overs. Jason Hall 3/38 and Josh Carmody snared 3/28.

Set 153 runs for victory, Carmody was the only Coyotes player to make any impact on the scoreboard in making 25.

Three Crusaders bowlers took two wickets each, Dean Bradley 2/18 from ten overs, Nathan Corby 2/16 and Darren Connell 2/13.

Next Saturday, Mimosa hosts the Crusaders at Nixon Park.