Batting: Kaveer Rohatgi 54 (17 balls); Julian Bennett 27 (18 balls); Henry Muir 27 (17 balls)

Bowling: Conor Casey 4/4 off 4 overs (2 maidens); Kaveer Rohatgi 3/2 off 2 overs (1 maiden); Sacha Mitchell 2/6 of two overs (1 maiden)

Royal took to the field for their first game of the season against BAS Conders brimming with confidence after a strong pre-season training block during which the boys quickly demonstrated they were a talented group committed to working hard and supporting each other.

Marist lost the bat flip and BAS elected to bat at Curtin 203 with fine overhead conditions but a significant amount of dew on the ground. You would not have known that the conditions were slippery as our pace bowlers got to work. Conor Casey took a wicket in the first over over the season with a searing yorker, before Kaveer Rohatgi unleashed an over of sustained pace and hooping outswing taking three wickets (all bowled) including two in two. Julian Bennett and Charlie Pastega each picked up a wicket in their first overs whilst all the bowlers kept a tight full length giving up very few runs. BAS went to the 10-over break with just 14 runs on the board. Marist continued their stranglehold on the opposition batters with Sacha Mitchell, Hayden Carolan and Henry Muir keeping things tight before Conor returned with a two-wicket over. Wickets fell regularly to good fielding (a couple of excellent run outs) and the runs were kept in check as BAS went to break with 46 runs off their 20 overs, with Conor and Kaveer leading the way with 4/4 and 3/2, respectively. Marist took an impressive 14 wickets during their bowling innings.

Royal's diminutive but powerful openers Henry (27) and Charlie (25) immediately set the tone in our chase, putting on a destructive 59 run partnership in 33 balls with Henry hitting our first two sixes off the season. Sacha (20) continued the momentum with a bright knock with excellent running between the wickets and he was well supported by Conor (25) who hit some stylish drives in a composed middle-order performance. However, the star of the show was undoubtedly Kaveer who peeled off a remarkable half-century with 54 off 17 balls striking 8 fours and 3 big sixes - a knock laced with power and very smart placement. The innings was then bookended by a well-made 14 by Hayden and a very entertaining 27 from Julian featuring some glorious swats to the midwicket boundary.

All in all it was a comprehensive performance from Royal. The boys had an absolute blast and their team spirit and encouragement was on full display throughout the game. They certainly sent a message to the competition that Royal will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

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