All the key talking points from the opening round of the VTCA season

A pitch described as the “worst in VTCA history” has overshadowed a weekend’s game as one club delivered a stinging assessment of the conditions. It’s all in our wrap of the day one action.

Fawad Ahmed. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association got underway on Saturday after a delayed start.

Here’s all the key talking points from the weekend.

‘WORST PITCH IN VTCA HISTORY’
The Roy Picone Shield clash between Pascoe Vale Hadfield and Moonee Valley was overshadowed by what the former’s social media account described as “the worst pitch in VTCA history”. Played at Ormond Park, Pascoe Vale Hadfield was sent into bat by the home side and was eventually all out for 178 as John Cacchione top scored with 38. The home side reached 1-9 at stumps. Dejan Gilevski was the pick of the bowlers with 3-49.

“It had more cracks than a plumber and the ball did NOT bounce higher than the waist all day which made runs extremely hard to score,” the club’s social media post said.

FAWAD’S BIG ARRIVAL

Australian spinner Fawad Ahmed arrived at Deer Park as one of the signings of the off-season and he’s already proven why he’s going to be more than a handful. He took 4-44 as the Lions rolled Westmeadows for 204 in their Senior Division clash. Rhys Gleisner top scored for the Warriors with 52 while Stephen Mihelakos-James produced an important knock on debut with 48.

WEST’S STUNNING DEBUT

Cameron West has made an early statement to be one of the signings of the season after a dominant 117 runs off 146 balls as Sydenham Hillside started strongly against the promoted Airport West St Christopher’s with 8-347 on day one. Gayashan Weerasekara finished not out on 57.

Steve Nicholson impressed on his return for Druids.

DRUIDS COACH DELIVERS ON DAY ONE

New Druids captain-coach Steve Nicholson made an immediate impression on his return to the club. Nicholson finished with 5-31 as Druids bowled Altona North out for 190. But the hosts are in a spot of bother already reeling at 4-28 after nine overs. Nathan Patrick is the pick of the North bowlers so far at 3-6.

SEDDON COACH OFF TO A FLYER

Tom Foulds made an impressive start to his season after battering 124 off 172 on day one against Haig Fawkner. His innings helped Seddon reach 290 against Haig Fawkner with Liam Braithwaite and Jack Luxton both scoring half-centuries.

A HOT START FOR WILLIAMSTOWN IMPERIALS

Williamstown Imperials marked the opening day of its season against Greenvale Kangaroos on the back of double centuries from Lee Elmore and Tom Burton. Elmore finished unbeaten on 101 after opening the innings while Burton went at just over for a run a ball for his 135. They declared at 2-270 before the Roos reached 0-15 at stumps.

RETURNING SIMPSON FIRES

Luke Simpson marked his return to Werribee Centrals with a magnificent century. He scored 104 off 224 after his side posted 284 on day one against Seabrook in Division 4. Simpson has spent the last 11 seasons at different clubs including time with Sunshine Heights where he was the captain. Alex Skinner started his season with a half-century.

DEBUTANTS IMPRESS FOR COMPETITION NEWCOMERS

Brad Fawcus and Ashan De Silva made impressive starts to life for competition newcomers Pascoe Vale Central in the Russell Pollock Shield as their side reached 9-261 against Melton Centrals. Both players top scored with 65. They joined the club from Gladstone Park.