The Grampians Cricket Association under-17 team started its Kirton Shield campaign with a 77-run loss to Ballarat Blue on Sunday.
Ballarat made the most of its batting innings, putting together a strong total of 213.
Seven Ballarat batsmen scored 18 runs or more to contribute evenly to the total.
Bailey Taylor was the pick of the bowlers for the Grampians team, claiming three wickets for just 26 runs from his 10 overs.
Aiden Graveson also took three wickets, while Aaron Byron took two scalps.
Grampians captain Ryan Nellthorp put together a polished innings of 62 but could not hang around, as the lower order collapsed and his side managed a score of just 136.
Charlie McIntosh was solid to score 25 not out.
The Grampians’ next game is in two weeks time on November 5, when it takes on Castlemaine at Newstead.
