Chasing Blayney’s huge score of 6-153, Wanderers started well and gave the Bushrangers a serious scare before eventually succumbing at the end of 20 overs at 8-135.

“Yeah look I was seriously worried at one stage during their chase,” Blayney captain Nick Bird said.

“We were ordinary in the field for those first 10 overs and we gave them a real chance. They started really well, but credit to my boys they pulled them back and finished the game off very well.”

Batting first, Blayney lost Bird (two) early before Jameel (32) and Imran (14) Qureshi steadied the ship somewhat, taking the score to 50 before the former was run out.

Michael Vawdon chipped in with a handy 10, but Jayden Fuller (53 not out) and Brock Gannon’s (18) 68-run, fifth-wicket partnership proved crucial in lifting Blayney from a defendable total to an almost unassailable score.

“The boys batted really well,” Bird said.

“Jameel got us off to a really good start, and Jayden batted brilliantly at the end. It was just a good performance, but we’ve got a lot to work on. I think we can get a lot better.”

In reply Wanderers got off to an almost perfect start with Kurt (39) and Nathan (29) Gander putting on 51 for the first wicket, but from there wickets fell regularly.

Peter Thompson (25) was the only other Wanderers batsman to pass double figures, leaving skipper Kurt Gander disappointed his side couldn’t secure its first win of the season, lamenting missed opportunities.

“I think our running between wickets hurt us a little bit,” Gander said.

“We also didn’t field all that well, but in fairness I probably didn’t protect the boundaries enough. I think we probably could have won that game, but in saying that it’s a good way to start the competition.”