Sixteen schools across Adelaide go head-to-head in Messenger Bowl Twenty20 cricket competition

ST MICHAEL'S College will use the disappointment of losing last year's Messenger Bowl final to inspire a challenge for the Twenty20 school cricket title.

ST MICHAEL'S College will use the disappointment of losing last year's Messenger Bowl final to inspire a challenge for the Twenty20 school cricket title.

The Beverley-based school, which lost to Adelaide High on the final ball of last year's decider, opened with a 79-run first round win over Christian Brothers College on Friday.

Captain Ben Williams said the pain of last season's narrow loss had spurred on his side's preparations.

"We just missed out last year in the grand final so we're looking to go one better this year," he said.

"We've got a pretty young team but there's some good talent in there."

Adelaide High began its title defence with a commanding 75-run defeat of Cabra.

Captain Anthony Cormack, who made an impressive 31 not out in his side's 7/161, said hopes were high for back-to-back bowls.

"We've won a few things and haven't lost many games in the past couple of years, but winning two (Messenger Bowls) in a row would be pretty good," the opening batsman said.

St Peters College meanwhile gained revenge for last year's first round exit at the hands of St Ignatius College with a nine-wicket victory in Friday's rematch.

Iggies batted first and reached 8/118, with skipper Stan Parker smashing 47.

St Peters reached its target in the 17th over with just one wicket down.

Saints captain Harrison Emms said the side hoped to build on the win.

"Last year was quite disappointing so to bounce back from that would be really positive," Emms said.

"It would be a reward for all the hard work we've put in."

Prince Alfred College confirmed its status as contenders with a first round win over Westminster.

PAC captain Will Van Dissel said the team had only lost two of last year's side.

"It would be very good (to push for the title) for the school because last year we didn't do too well," he said.

"It would be good to gain a bit of credibility back."

The annual knockout tournament, now in its sixth year, will feature 16 schools over the next month.