COLLEGE has failed at the first hurdle in its defence of the Dundas Cup as Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) A grade reigning premier, after Grampians eased into the new season with a commanding 74-run bonus point victory at Mitchell Park on Saturday.

The parks and gardens team of the Southern Grampians Shire worked miracles to have Mitchell Park in a playable condition, as the HDCA unveiled its new hard wicket home ground with the match of the round.