THE Hamilton and District Cricket Association’s 2023-24 season will continue to build momentum tomorrow with round two of the A grade competition going ahead tomorrow.

While there will be plenty of intrigue as all five Portland-based clubs will be facing off against Hamilton-based opponents who they’ve never met before, one key matchup will see Portland Colts face off against St Andrews in the Portland sides first opportunity to play on their home deck this season.

Colts started their campaign off on the right foot on the weekend with a comfortable victory over Pigeon Ponds by eight wickets.

They’ll be very pleased with the early signs shown across the board, with five players getting in the wicket column including skipper Luke Evans and Daniel Kinghorn were exceptional with the willow in hand.

However, while St Andrews were on the wrong side of the ledger in their first hit out of the season against Gorae-Portland, they still showed a fair bit of fight with the bat, with Darryl Fry and Joshua Nield both scoring well.

Hamilton v South Portland

South Portland will be eager to quickly turn things around after a disappointing round one against Grampians which saw them defeated by six wickets in comfortable fashion.

South’s batting line-up failed to spark until it was too late, as they relied on a few late-order heroics to get them past three figures and to a competitive total.

If their top and middle order can find some form this week, they’ll be in much better shape against a Hamilton side who scored quickly despite their loss against Macarthur.

With the sides facing off at one of the best grounds in the region at Monivae College, it may well become a race to see who can capitalise on the quick surface.

Tyrendarra v Pigeon Ponds

After a strong round one performance against Portland Tigers, Tyrendarra will be eager to continue their strong early form with home victory over Pigeon Ponds.

While their skipper Cam Mather said they can still find areas to improve on, particularly with their bowling and in the field, the Darras still demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with, especially as they succeeded without a handful of consistent A grade performers, namely Darren Killmister and Ben Menzel.

Meanwhile, the Ponds’ batting line-up struggled in its first outing when they played Colts, as aside from Simon Close’s 63 they had only one other batsman reach double figures and will need to arrive at Tyrendarra Recreation Reserve a different side if they’re to claim victory.

Casterton District v Portland Tigers

Portland Tigers will be out to make amends for a round one defeat at the hands of Tyrendarra, but it will be a tall order against a Casterton District outfit whose batting and bowling line-up looks deep and consistent a week into the season.

The Tigers will be keen to build on the second half of their bowling performance against the Darras, as after conceding a 98-run second wicket stand they were able to finish off the innings by claiming 7-82.

In addition, they had some decent starts with the bat who were not able to kick on to a match-winning score or partnership which the team will want to see develop further.

Nonetheless, Casterton in home territory at Island Park Recreation Reserve will be a very tough ask for the Tigers to knock off, especially after their victory over HDCA reigning premiers College.

Gorae-Portland v Macarthur

Gorae-Portland had an excellent start to their season with a 20-run victory over St Andrews and will be looking for more of the same tomorrow as they’re fixtured to take on Macarthur in their second consecutive match at Alexandra Park.

Go-Ports had a number of noteworthy performances with the bat on the weekend, with their middle order able to capitalise on the foundation laid by their top order.

And when your new specialist opening batsman in Finn Saurine can also provide three wickets while opening the bowling, you know you’re on the right track.

However, this week they’ll come up against a Macarthur side who has found some fine form themselves to kick off the season, being the only side to crack the 200-run mark as a team as classy batsman Kyle Smitten blasted the first century of the season.

College v Grampians

College had a less than ideal start to their premiership defence in round one, going down to Casterton District, but they’ll have an opportunity for redemption this week when they take on Grampians at Hamilton College.

Coming off a successful outing against South Portland, Grampians will be eager to carry their strong form into this week and exact a bit of revenge after they lost last year’s HDCA grand final to College.