THE Hamilton and District Cricket Association’s (HDCA) Melbourne Country Week campaign got off to a positive start on Monday, with the Hurricanes accounting for Sunraysia Cricket Association at Princes Park by nine wickets.

The Hurricanes won the toss and bowled first, with Sunraysia’s top order all getting starts but failing to go on with it and reach a big total.

Totals of 28, 29 and 20 in the top three meant Hamilton’s bowlers regularly celebrated wickets.

Stephen O’Brien was the standout new bowler, grabbing three wickets, while Carey Megaw was instrumental through the middle overs.

The Casterton District player made scoring tough and single-handedly dismissed Sunraysia’s middle order.

Despite playing in warm temperatures and the pitches typically favouring the batsmen, the HDCA was able to restrict its northern opponents to 8-218 from 50 overs.

Megaw had plenty to celebrate, finishing with a five-wicket haul.

Kian Burns’ 37 was the best effort with bat in hand.

Hamilton’s run chase was smooth sailing, as Sam Wilson and James Chapple opened the innings and the pair raced to 129 before Chapple was dismissed for 36.

Wilson carried on and reached triple figures, retiring on 107, and leaving it up to Oscar Newell (49-not-out) and Darryl Fry (12-not-out) to get the Hurricanes to the target.

Hamilton still had more than six overs remaining when the target was reached.

The Hurricanes then backed up on Tuesday, facing Bairnsdale Cricket Association at Coburg City Oval.

Once again, Hamilton won the toss and bowled first, with Bairnsdale cruising along nicely after Jacob Edwards had Brodie Anderson out for a golden duck.

At time of print, Bairnsdale was 4-94, with Newell, Edwards, O’Brien and Rick Killey the wicket-takers.

The Hurricanes are scheduled to face South West Cricket Association at Bill Lawry Oval at Northcote Park today, with tomorrow’s last group stage game against Cricket LaTrobe Valley at Harry Trott Oval at Albert Park.