Delatite has not had a C-grade team for some years, but with the growth of the club in recent years the decision was made to expand from two teams to three.

Unfortunately for the first round of the C-grade season, supply did not keep up with demand so some of Delatite’s U14s and their first-game fathers were roped in to make up the bulk of the squad.

Of the ten players selected only one had senior experience in the league, but it did not stop the team from having a great afternoon out, with a few highlights and memories made along the way.

For the first round Delatite faced Gapsted in North Wangaratta, and after winning the toss Delatite sent Gapsted in.

Opening bowlers, Andrews Strong and Cook, could find no way through the defence of Gapsted’s openers, both of which passed 50 despite a couple of scares.

The introduction to Delatite’s attack of junior stars Noah and Xavier Heaysman finally brought success, Noah slowing the run-rate while Xavier took opener Peter Newton’s wicket when he chopped on for 86.

Strong’s return for his second spell proved to be successful, picking up two wickets, and Noah claimed two himself to end up with the best bowling figures of 2/35.

While the scoring had slowed once Gapsted’s openers had fallen, they still managed to reach an imposing 5/224 by the end of their 36 overs.

Delatite’s reply innings spluttered early, with three of the top six falling by the time the score was 12.

A stabilising partnership of 17 from Cook and Max Strong, while small, helped prevent a total collapse.

Max was not the only U14 of the day to make more runs than his father, his tally of seven eclipsing his father Andrew’s solitary boundary.

Unfortunately for Delatite, Gapsted’s opening bowler returned to the crease and quickly claimed a hat-trick.

This brought Noah Heaysman to the crease, his diminutive form giving Gapsted hope that the day would be soon over.

Heaysman’s talent however was soon evident to all, with he and Cook putting on a partnership of 33 for the eight wicket.

When he finally fell he had made 11 runs, only a quarter of Cook’s final total, but his performance was certainly the highlight of the day.

Delatite finished on 9/73, a fair way short of the target, but the team remains unphased and keen to christen the new Boonie Doon pitch against Benalla next Saturday.