SUMMER sport got off to a hot start with the season opener of the Dungog and District Cricket Association competition.
The first match was between Karuah-Tea Gardens and Wallarobba-Stroud at Tea Gardens’ Memorial Park on Saturday 11 October.
The home team, the Sharks, hosted the newly amalgamated Wombats in 30-plus degree weather, with many happy for drinks at the end of the first 20 overs.
Karuah-Tea Gardens came into the new season on an 18-month undefeated high, which culminated in their 2024 grand final victory.
But reality hit early with the Wombats chalking up a total score of 4/241 after 35 overs and the home team all out for 72.
Even a few ducks were seen walking off the pitch, one of them golden.
Wallarobba-Stroud’s Owen Daley scored an impressive 128 not-out, while some very tidy bowling by the Wombats kept the Sharks to their lower scoreline.
By Thomas O’KEEFE