ARNOLD flag hero Heath Lock has made an immediate impact in his first Upper Loddon match this season.
Lock’s opening hit of 48 helped set up the victory over Boort Yando on Saturday and signalled the “the old” team is hitting its straps for a serious title defence tilt.
Three sixes and three boundaries showed Lock can be a lethal opener for the Redbacks after returning to cricket last season when brother Finn was sidelined with a back injury.
Lock and Ryan Metelmann enjoyed a 74-run opening stand that was only stopped by the bowling of impressive Boort youngster Deklan King whoSE delivery was knicked into the hands of Alex Cockerell.
Another 19 runs were put next to Arnold before Daniel Lehman claimed the prized scalp of Lock, caught by Josh Smith.
Cam Dale, also having his first hit for the season, led off resistance from the Arnold middle order. His innings ended by a good length Harry Malone delivery while Cam Hancock became King’s second wicket 13 runs later and the score on 4/128.
Alex Cockerell returned in the 17th over to continue King’s frustration of the Arnold bats and was quickly rewarded with the wicket of skipper Henry McCullough without the Redbacks adding to the scoreboard.
Arnold had been reduced to making quick singles as the overs ticked to an end.
Michael Dale led Arnold’s final flurry with a boundary and two singles off the final over while Ryan Balsey chipped in with singles.
McCullough and Metelman had early wickets and Boort reeling at 2/14. Cockerell was a rock as opening but the run rate was slow. Cockerell and Lehmann top scored with 29 runs each.
Boort finished 36 runs shy of the target, Metelmann the best of Arnold’s bowlers.