North Nowra-Cambewarra's premiership defence is off to a losing start after going down by nine runs to Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens on Saturday.
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At Hayden Drexel Oval, Norths won the toss and elected to field first on the one-day fixture, therefore sending the hosts to the crease following a slight delay in the start of play due to wet conditions.
Ex-Servos, who were edged out by Norths in last season's decider, started strongly, thanks to openers Daniel Gleeson (26) and Mat Ganderton (12).
First-drop Shane Halliday (29) continued the hosts' runs ticking over before Nathan Tyrrell scored a match-winning total of 72 for Ex-Servos - a knock which included six boundaries and two sixes.
Handy contributions from Darren O'Connell (33), Mick Perry (22) and Chris Nation (13) helped Ex-Servos post 8-247 from their 44 overs.
Norths debutant Blake Horton starred with the white ball, taking 5-36 from his eight overs.
Justin Rumble, Justin Weller and Ben Seyffer also took wickets for the visitors.
In reply, Norths appeared on track for a courageous victory behind a crafty 69 from skipper Nick McDonald.
The captain was well-supported by Weller (31), Horton (28 not out), Seyffer (26), Lachlan Almond (24) and Jack Walsh (13), but fell just short of their target - finishing at 8-238.
With the ball, Harminder Singh led the way for Ex-Servos, claiming 3-42 from his nine overs, while O'Connell managed 2-60.
Other wicket-takers in the victory were Luke Jones, Tyrrell and Perry, who all claimed one apiece.
This proved to be the only Shoalhaven District Cricket Association first grade match to see any action in round one, with the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads and Bomaderry fixture at the Berry Sports Complex being washed out.
Ulladulla United had the bye on Saturday.
Looking ahead to round two, United host Bomaderry at Lighthouse Oval and Norths take on Berry at the Bernie Regan Sports Complex - with Ex-Servos having the weekend off.
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