HILLGROVE'S dominant start to the 2014/15 Armidale cricket season on Saturday when a convincing top-order batting performance set up a huge 105-run win over Ex-Services at the Armidale Sportsground.
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Skipper Brad King (69) was the star for Hillgrove as they posted 7-257 after winning the toss and batting first.
“It was pleasing to get some runs,” he said.
“It was just one of those days you have every once in a while.
Opener Michael Dawson (60) has been in terrific touch to start the season and that continued on Saturday while Matt Schaefer (50) also chipped in with a half century.
“The boys all batted well,” King said.
“It was good to bat the overs out.”
After losing Matt Baillie (1) early on, Schaefer joined Dawson at the crease and the two added 74 for the second wicket, Schaefer compiling 50 of those runs.
“Matt Schaefer was batting quite aggressive early on,” King said.
“Dawso did his job and hung around.
“He’s [Dawson] is just a solid bat all-round.”
On a very quick outfield at the Sportsground, King said it was vital to post a big score batting first.
“Once you beat the field the ball was getting to the fence very quickly,” he said.
The dry conditions also led to a brave decision by King to hand off-spinner Scott Brennan (4-53) the new ball.
“It was a dry crumbling wicket,” King said.
“Scott bowled his 12 straight and bowled very well.”
Harrison King (2-22) also picked up a couple of wickets with his off spinners and young seamer Ben Laurie (2-17) impressed. Servies were bundled out in the 32nd over for just 152 with Matt Hudson the sole shining light.
In the other match of the round, Easts also remained unbeaten with a thrilling six-run win over City.