After sending the Grasshoppers into bat first, the Clubbers got off to the perfect start by picking up the wicket of opening batsman Phil Hall for zero.

The Grasshoppers showed they were better than a side that has won just one match this season, with skipper Tom Hannett leading the way.

Hannett carried his strong country week cricket form across into the match, putting together a well constructed innings. 

He went on to score an impressive 105 to help Navarre to a total of 8-246 after 78 overs.

Andrew Shovan partnered well with Hannett, notching 55 runs of his own, while Aaron Slorach contributed nicely down the order with an important 34 not out. 

Damon Folkes was the standout for the Clubbers, bowling 19 overs for figures of 4-47.

Youth Club captain Cam Kimber said it was “not an ideal day” for his side.

“It was a bit of a tough day,” he said.

“Having to field for the whole day was difficult considering we didn’t bowl too badly.

“They were just too good with the bat.”

Kimber said Hannett took the game away from the Clubbers, but they will be able to learn from him.

“He didn’t really give us any chance to get him out,” he said.

“We need to take a leaf out of his book, put pride on our wickets and make it really tough for them to get us out.

“We are still pretty confident we can chase down the runs. We will have nearly 80 overs so there is plenty of time.”

The Clubbers will be desperate for a win, with Aradale moving into a tentative first place after defeating Halls Gap outright and other teams around them in good positions leading into the second day of play next weekend.  

Despite lack of on field success on the day, both teams were able to raise funds for the McGrath foundation through hosting the match as a pink stumps day.

Youth Club’s $500 target has nearly been reached online, with plenty of other donations made in person or through donation tins placed around Stawell.

Kimber said it was a great to be able to play in a pink stumps match.

“We raised a bit of money on the day and us and Navarre celebrated it quite well I think,” he said. 

Youth Club requires 247 to win from 78 overs.