The defending champions, Gladstone, are taking on Waratahs CSU at 3.45pm on Waratahs Sports Ground.

Gladstone will be keen to follow up last year’s form after they stormed to the T20 crown with a 37-run win over Orange City in the grand final.

In the decider, the Gladstone batsman were the difference with Sam Dwyer and Tim Lowe both providing match winning innings. Dwyer smashed 85 and Lowe was just shy of a half-century, belting 49.

Ben McAlpine also had a major contribution on the day by taking 4-14 off four overs. McAlpine and Lowe are both out of action for Saturday’s clash, providing a great opportunity for Waratahs to knock the champions off.

Having made the jump up to second grade this summer, Waratahs CSU fwill be playing two matches on Saturday against the Cavaliers in the morning and Gladstone in the afternoon.

Orange City will be keen to go one step further this year, and they begin that quest with a round one clash against Kinross at Jack Brabham Oval at 12.30pm.

In other first round fixtures, CYMS Moroneys take on Centrals at 3.45pm at Jack Brabham Oval.

The rest of the lower grades will continue with normal fixtures this Saturday.

In third grade, CYMS Fahys take on Kinross, Orange City will face CYMS Bourkes, and Wanderers host the Waratah third graders.

While Centenary Cup will also enjoy a normal round with Cavaliers taking on Orange City, KWS Young Guns versus CYMS. KWS Tens have a bye.