While last year’s premiers, Warriors, won their opening day encounter 12-2 against Cougars, they no longer have two sides in first grade.

Cougars have that distinction but both their first grade sides lost, with the 2’s copping a 27-6 hammering from a Gunnedah Giants side bolstered by a few Knights and some training sessions in Robert Chandler’s famed baseball batting tunnel.

The Warriors have also benefited from similar sessions and hit the ball well in Saturday’s win over Cougars.

Warriors had nine hits in total, Mitch Holt bagging three, Chris Dyson and  Jeff Chandler two apiece and pitcher James Psarakis and Brett King also having hits.

“It was a good solid start for the year,” Warriors co-coach Jeff Chandler said.

“Jimmy Psarakis started on the mound and threw strongly for five innings, giving up only one run.

“Jimmy threw really well, was constantly working from ahead in the count, threw a lot of first strikes to most hitters and kept the ball down really well.

“Our fielding was also very pleasing, as we didn’t make an error the whole game and made every out that came to us.

“Although we did hit the ball well throughout the game, it was a bit disappointing to come up with 10 strikeouts, so that’s something we’ll need to work on. 

“Cougars played well, in particular, Jeremy Bird and R. Fing both getting two hits.”

Fing made his impression on the competition in his first game in Tamworth by clearing the fences off Jeff Chandler for a home run in the 6th inning. 

Brock Ridgewell also threw well after settling down from some early hiccups and coming up with eight strike outs.

“All round it was good first game, played in a good spirit to start the season,” Chandler said.

* First grade sides can provide match reports to The Leader after games on 67681234 or e-mail (geoff.newling@fairfaxmedia.com.au). 

BOX SCORES

Cougars 0-0-0-1-0-1-0-2r-7h-4e

Warriors 8-0-0-4-0-0-X-12r-9h-0e