Sharks set the scene for week two

A Grade

Phillip Island Sharks A grade welcomed Nerrena to their adopted home at Newhaven in the first red-ball game of the season.

Winning the toss and electing to bat the Island Sharks were keen to get off to a positive start in the top of the table clash.

Brodie Johnston and Lochie Cleeland opened the batting and saw off the openers in a watchful start, the pair were able to put the bad ball away, whilst keeping the fielders on their toes with some clever running.

The partnership pushed past 50 and the Sharks reached the first drinks break without a blemish.

Just as the partnership started to look big, Loch's defences were beaten, and he was bowled for a well-made 29.

The wicket brought Daniel Mock to the crease, who looked keen to capitalise on the positive start of the openers.

Some tight bowling kept the run rate around three runs per over, but a determined Johnston continued to push the runs as he passed 50, as Mock settled into his innings patiently.

At tea, the Red caps had bowled a remarkable 47 overs, even with delays from an overly interested seagull.

After the tea break, the tight bowling continued as Johnston and Mock navigated their way to another solid partnership. Johnston began to find the boundary before he was dismissed for a very classy 84, which included 12 boundaries.

The score on 154, Mock was joined by Tom Niven as they looked to increase the scoring rate.

With every run scored, another fielder went back on to the fence. With Mock now finding his groove, the scoreboard began ticking before Niven was unluckily caught in the deep with the score on 190.

With the wicket came a tactic change for the bowling side, the field in tight for the new batsman, whilst very spread for Mock.

The new batsman did a good job running hard and finding a boundary, but the Sharks fell to six wickets for 215.

A little partnership between Mock and Heath Womersley saw the score to 240 before Mock was dismissed trying to find a late boundary for a well-made 94 off 114 balls.

Womersley finished the innings with a run-a-ball 16 as the score crept to 251.

This sets up a tantalising week two, with both sides no doubt feeling confident they can win.