AN UNBEATEN knock of 88 from Bridgewater opener Harry McKinley sent a warning to Upper Loddon rivals that the re-emerging Bulls will be capable of causing havoc this season.
Back after a year in recess, the Bulls experienced hands are showing an example of youngsters playing down the order.
McKinley’s 35 overs at the crease against Arnold on Saturday came off 88 deliveries.
Eight were driven straight to the boundary, one over the fence.
Brother Tom gave solid support, facing 87 balls before caught behind by Phil Scholes off the bowling of Michael Dale. That would be the only wicket taken by the Redbacks.
Toby Naughton joined Harry at the crease and contributed 19 runs as Bridgewater batted out the overs and the team posted an impressive 151 runs.
The Bulls created an early headache for Arnold when Scholes was bowled by Ben Power.
At 1/22, there was a good battle underway but fellow opener Ryan Metelmann proved a sure and steady hand.
His 81 off 82 balls would prove the difference. Skipper Henry McCullough was good in the support role with 22 runs before dismissed for 22 and Cam Hancock’s 23 was enough to get Arnold in front after 31 overs.
Metelmann and Hancock featured in an impressive 74-run partnership.
While the Bulls were economical in the extras department, they were unable put down deliveries that hindered the steady run rate orchestrated by Metelmann.
Dale and Hancock proved their worth with the ball to be Arnold’s most economical bowlers.
Seth Hewett-Scull had those honours for the Bridgewater Bulls.