Western District took out the first, second and fourth grade competitions last season and brought a mixture of first and second graders, including Adelaide Strikers’ Ben Oakley, to Batemans Bay.

The visitors batted first and it wasn’t long before Batemans Bay’s Paul Britt snared the first wicket when he had Wests’ opener Theo Valeri caught behind for a duck. 

Britt picked up the top three batsmen for 34 runs in his welcome return to Hanging Rock. 

Wests began to punish the Bay’s bowling attack with Joseph Cooke hitting 46 before he was bowled by Marc Stiller (1/34) while Oakley smashed 54 before he had to retire. 

Tim Sethi picked up 2/56 while Matt Condon’s appearance against his former club paid off for the Bay when he cleaned up Wests’ tail with 3/15, leaving them all out for 232, one ball short of completing 40 overs.

Chasing nearly a run-a-ball was going to be difficult against Western District’s bowling attack and the chase became tougher when Gav Ladmore fell for six and Paul Gallen for 15.

The Bay’s middle order fought back with Matt Sethi (31) posting the top score.

Matt Condon chipped in with 20 and Greg McDonald tallied 22 in his return. 

When Andy Malcolm was bowled for nine the Bay’s lower order collapsed as Stiller and Luke Condon were both caught for one, while Tim Sethi and Lachlan Paterson were both sent back without scoring. 

The Bay finished all out for 125 runs.

On Sunday, Wests backed up and put on a coaching clinic for local juniors.

Batemans Bay Cricket Club’s John Condon praised the visitors’ enthusiasm and spirit and hoped they returned for a pre-season trial next year. 

“They were great, the trial match was played in good spirits plus they attended our season launch at the Mariners after the game,” Condon said. 

“For them to share their skills and knowledge on Sunday was a bonus.”

The Batemans Bay Cricket Club will field first, second and fourth grade teams in the Shoalhaven competition this season.

Seniors’ training is held at 4pm on Thursdays at Hanging Rock.

Junior players will train on Wednesday afternoons.

The under 10s and 12s start at 3.30pm at Surfside and under 14s from 3.30pm at Hanging Rock. 

All interested players can attend and register at training.