At the start of the day, the Dalton Dingos were scheduled to take on the Yass Pirates, and not many expected the former B Grade side who finished fifth on last year’s ladder to upset the reigning Triggs Shield champions. 

But that’s exactly what happened.

And the architects of the shock result were two of Dalton’s three Poidevins, Mick and Brett. 

The toss was won by the Pirates, who were soon made to regret that decision as Mick took 6-19, and continued the form that picked him up 15 wickets at an average of under seven in 2017/18. 

The Pirates’ first innings of 113 never quite seemed enough, and though they managed to fend off Dalton for 35 overs, a rollicking innings of 93 not out from Brett proved to be the nail in the coffin. 

“It was a good win,” Mick said. 

“We batted really well on the weekend, and we fielded really well. It was a great fielding effort, good catches taken, all the little things that you need to go right, went right.”

Moving forward in the competition, the challenge for Dalton will be ensuring that their best side takes the field as often as possible. 

“We know our strongest side can handle [the rigours of A and B Grade]” Mick said. 

“But we’ve got a few kids who, when they face some of the quicker bowlers they get a bit nervous. You don’t like doing that to them, but I suppose it’s all part of the experience.” 

Next weekend, the Dingos will take on Boorowa, who are coming off a hard-fought loss against the Gundaroo Goats. 

While this result was an inauspicious start to the year for Boorowa, Mick said that the strength of their combined team this year could not be underestimated. 

“I don’t think they’d be a team you take too lightly,” he said. 

“You take the two teams they had last year and put them into one, you’re looking at a fairly strong side.” 

In other A and B Grade results, the Boorowa Cricket Club was defeated by the Gundaroo Goats by three wickets, and the Bowning Buffaloes were out-played by the Yass Piranhas, and also lost by three wickets.