The Lakers, on the comeback trail after last season’s heart-breaking grand final loss, had an industrious spread of contributors throughout the order, with openers Tom Barnes and James Wilson putting on 61 runs.
Lodgers’ bowler Travis Waters eventually managed to sneak a delivery through Barnes’ defence after he walloped 39 off 22 balls, with Wilson following soon after thanks to James Nugent.
Mark Nolan and Mitch Winter-Irving picked up where they left from last year to carry the Lakers to 2-117 at a reasonable clip, and looking ominous.
Darshana Prasad Loku Hettige and Ryan Kearney teamed up with the ball to remove both batters, but 42 runs apiece to Zac Winter-Irving and Dale Short helped Nagambie tick past the 200-run mark.
Pine Lodge’s Nate Malcolm picked up three late wickets, restricting the Lakers to 8-238.
In reply, the Lodgers’ standout was obvious.
Hardy showcased his class with a gritty century on his Haisman Shield debut, smashing 105 off 132 deliveries and putting Pine Lodge within striking distance of a shock first-round upset.
However, time proved the enemy of the visitors.
Lakers stalwart Nolan led the bowling fightback with two wickets, with Will O’Brien also picking up a pair.
Emile Haratbar with 27 runs and Xavier Waters with 22 not out were the next highest scorers after Hardy, and despite a gallant effort from the men in green, Pine Lodge eventually ran out of time, wrapping up their 45 overs at 7-218.
THE GAME
Nagambie 8-238 (Dale Short 42 not out, Zac Winter-Irving 41, Nate Malcolm 3-22) def Pine Lodge 7-218 (Dylan Hardy 103, Emile Haratbar 27, Will O’Brien 2-27)
STAR PLAYER:
Dylan Hardy (Pine Lodge): Pine Lodge didn’t come away with the win but they now know what they’ll get with star recruit Dylan Hardy. The first drop carved out an impressive century against a quality bowling attack and will offer heaps for the Lodgers this season.
