Jarrod Bannister thrives in Rivergum’s DVCA debut

Rivergum star Jarrod Bannister immediately made a name for himself in the DVCA as his side recorded a historic result. See all the talking points from the weekend.

Rivergum star Jarrod Bannister immediately made a name for himself in the DVCA. Picture: Hamish Blair

If Diamond Valley Cricket Association rivals didn’t know about Jarrod Bannister, they do now.

The Rivergum star marked his side’s first game in the competition with a dominant all-round performance to signal why the competition newcomers are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Bannister took 3-13 from eight overs before hitting an unbeaten 64 to guide his side to a historic six-wicket Mash Shield win over Hurstbridge.

“He’s a seasoned cricketer and he’s just picked up, where he left off last year,” Rivergum coach Corey Altis said.

“He’s a crucial part of our group, of what we do.”

Bannister played a key role alongside skipper Matt Perri (3-16) in restricting Hurstbridge to 152 in one of just several completed games across the competition due to Melbourne’s wet and wild weather.

“They usually try and bowl in tandem,” Altis said of his two stars.

“Matt was able to come in towards the middle and end to take a few key wickets.”

While pleased with the hot start, Altis knows there’s as lot of hard work ahead of his side given the unknown of playing in a new competition.

“It’s just the process of focusing on doing the things we do best, and just going by week by week,” he said.

“There’s the proposition against these new clubs we’re playing. We don’t know too much about who’s who and who’s got what, but until it unfolds and we play everyone, at least once, then we’ll start to work it out.”

Altis said the next fixture against fellow competition newcomers Dennis would provide another challenge to his side given they have not previously played two-day cricket this early in the season.

Saturday was the perfect introduction for Rivergum with its Second XU winning by 10 wickets in C-grade.

A RED HOT START

Luke O’Donnell endured a tough time with the bat last season but will take plenty of confidence from the season opener.

He hit a match defining 32 not out to guide North Eltham Wanderers to a win in the only completed Barclay Shield completed game.

Luke O'Donnell made an impressive start to the season.

In his last four innings in the First XI last season he had hit just three runs.

O’Donnell also took 2-12 to lead the way with the ball. Angus Jarram, Diamond Creek’s highest scorer, were among his wickets.

MACDONALD THE MATCH WINNER

Jake Macdonald is a well loved member of Mill Park and on Saturday was the hero with the ball. He took 5-37 to lead the Tigers to a 42-run win over Thomastown.

After two First XI games last season, his spot certainly looks secure.

Anthony Barker and Julian Marshall both hit half-centuries.