They've been tipped as the two teams to beat this year but City managed to draw first blood in Saturday's win over Hillgrove.
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Batting first, Hillgrove lost three wickets early. Dave Schmude was bowled by James Napper for two, then Napper snared Sam Johnson for the same result before Chris Wild dismissed Cotter Litchfield for 17.
Opener Matt Baillie lasted for 25 runs until City skipper Karl Triebe claimed his wicket for 25. Matt Schaefer made 67 and Brad King 48 as Hillgrove finished all out for 208. City's Aran Kenna took four wickets, Triebe three with Napper's two and Wild's one rounding out the wicket-takers list.
In the run chase, City's batsmen got into the groove early with Andrew Skinner and Ash Clee setting up the innings. Skinner contributed 35 runs before he was eventually claimed by Sam Johnson while Clee was at his belting best, hitting 62 with seven fours and three sixes before eventually being caught. Then batsmen fell cheaply but the damage was mostly done and City held on for a two-wicket win.