The first match of the new calendar year was the third round of the T20 and was played on Friday afternoon at Albert Park commencing at 5.10pm. The weather was hot and oppressive, with the mercury reaching 41.2.

The Central Hotel won the toss, batted, and scored 6/114, the Crusaders replied with 4/115, securing victory with 16 balls to spare.

The best bowling figures for the Crusaders was Dean Bradley who started with a double wicket maiden and finished 2/19 from his four overs.

In the Crusaders' innings, opener James Smith top-scored with 26 while Nathan Corby and Phil Gay remained 24 not out. Their partnership yielded 47 runs for the fifth wicket.

Meanwhile at Cranfield Oval, the Australian Hotel Coyotes caused a bit of an upset defeating the second-placed Young Services Blues.

The Blues batted first and made the competitive total 7/162, the Coyotes finished 7/167 winning its third match of the season with three balls to spare.

The star for the Blues was their captain Jonte Powderly who scored 59 from 42 balls, a knock that included six fours and three sixes.

Their openers Smithee Goodman and Bede Murray set the Coyotes' innings alight. The pair made 75 runs with Murray making 45 and Goodman 37. The big-hitting Murray blasted nine fours and one six.

In the BFB/Blooms Chemist matches, Stockinbingal returned to the winner's circle, while the Cootamundra Ex-Servicers Magpies were well beaten.

The village side hosted the Bowling Club Tigers and batting first made 7/145, the Tigers replied with 6/104.

Stockinbingal's innings was highlighted by a fifth-wicket partnership of 54 between Jack Caldwell, who made 46, and Nick Holt who made 30.

The Tigers' innings saw Artie Stacey blast 72 runs from 65 balls.

The Cootamundra Ex-Services Club Magpies played the Temora Ex-Services Renegades at Nixon Park.

The Renegades made 4/146, the Magpies replied with 6/91.

This Saturday sees the final of the T20 competition.