The Sale-Maffra Country Week tour has started with mixed results. 

On day 1 the team met Bendigo, a team they had defeated in most recent encounters, however the Bendigo team this day was at full strength being located within commuting distance from the Nagambie oval where the match was played.  Sale-Maffra won the toss and elected to bat on a soft wicket that was expected to improve as the morning went on.  This was proven to be correct however as the Sale-Maffra innings only lasted 27 overs, the period where the wicket was at its best all belonged to Bendigo.  Ian Wrigglesworth 25 was the top scorer and Ben Durrant was the only other batsman into double figures.  A last wicket stand of 16 between Durrant and Jie Van Berkel was the best of the innings.  The innings finished with the score on 56.

Faced with the task of bowling 73 overs on a very hot day, the bowling and fielding was very good, restricting Bendigo to 7 for 216 from the increased over allocation.  Jie Van Berkel was the only multiple wicket taker with 2 but all bowlers toiled manfully under trying conditions.  Simon Williams took a very well judged outfield catch on the long-on boundary.

On day 2 the opposition was Sunraysia and the venue was Bennett Oval, Seymour.  Batting first Sale-Maffra scored a very respectable 8 for 236.  Andrew Tatterson 74, Ian Wrigglesworth 45 and Damien Birss 34 were the leading run scorers.
In reply Sunraysia could only manage 9 for 145 from their 50 overs.  Bowling details are not yet to hand.

Damien Birss sustained a hairline fracture to the jaw during the match and must be under a cloud as far as the rest of the week is concerned.  Stuart Anderson and Adrian Burgiel who were not with the team on day 1 & 2 were expected to arrive tonight and be available for the round 3 match against Kyabram.