A NEW-look Little River made an early statement with a big win over Corio in its opening game of the Geelong Cricket Association division 3 firsts at Shell Reserve on Saturday.
The Redbacks’ bowling attack caused havoc to have the home side all out for 74 in 35.2 overs.
The new-ball pair of Sam Reidy (4-16) and Chris Giese (3-26) wasted no time finding their spots. Then first-change bowler Daniel Burrows got in on the act with 3-10.
The Redbacks’ run chase was by no means comfortable. They slumped to 7-70 before Giese and Nathan Kenyon finally got them past the target.
Kenyon was absolutely sensational for the Redbacks with 86 not out from the middle order.
Reidy, a star with both the bat and ball on the day, added an important 25.
The next best in the total of 142 off 46.1 overs was extras on 13.
Corio almost made a meal of its second innings.
It was in trouble on 5-49 and in danger of an outright loss.
In a sign of the Redbacks’ bowling depth, it was Todd Smith who did the damage this time with 4-19.
But the Redbacks ran out of time in their bid for outright and had to settle for six points.
They will play Lethbridge in their home opener at Little River Reserve in a two-dayer starting on Saturday.
GCA DIVISION 3 RESULTS
Firsts: Corio 74 (S Reidy 4-16 D Burrows 3-10 C Giese 3-26) and 5-95 (T Smith 4-19) lt Little River 142 (N Kenyon 86no)
Seconds: Little River 116 lt Corio 170 (A Strahan 6-41)
Thirds: Meredith 4-129(cc) d Little River 6-122 (L Daffy 39no)
