NORTHERN Power scored a 16-run victory over Toronto Workers to become the first winners of The Lakes Mail Cricket Challenge Shield.
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Responding to the Central Coast club's total of 7-214, Toronto Workers reached 7-198 at the end of their 50 overs at Ron Hill Oval on Saturday.
Toronto Workers president Aaron Gray said the home team did not field their top line-up, but made no excuses.
"We were missing Greg Hunt, and Joe Price batted at No 9 as they both have had a heavy pre-season schedule with their representative duties so far," Gray said.
"We make no excuses, though. We felt we had the team to win the match but at the end of the day they got the chocolates and it was hopefully the start of a tradition between the two clubs."
Gray said Toronto got a lot out of the match, which provided valuable match practise to some squad members who had been a touch underdone.
Northern Power's Caine Barnes made 33 but it was Brendon Charlton's 85 batting at No 4 that led the charge.
Brinn Osland was the pick of the Toronto attack. He claimed 3-23 from his 10 overs.
Toronto made a steady start to the run chase through openers Michael Muller (56) and Corey Brown (23). Paul Toole (28) and Steve Wratten (35 not out) also made valuable contributions.
"But we were probably a bit slow getting into the run chase," Gray said.
Charlton (2-45) and Brett Lenton (4-48) made inroads into the Toronto line-up but it was new recruit Chris Archer who kept a lid on the run chase.
Archer took 0-16 off 10 overs of left-arm orthodox spinners, which included three maidens.
Toronto Workers will host their final pre-season hit-out this Saturday in the annual President's XI versus Secretary's XI match.
Gray said the the match will double as a charity fixture and the club's inaugural RUOK? match in support of mental health services.
Northern Power, meanwhile, will travel to take on Narara in the opening round of the Central Coast competition.