EASTERN Knights have launched their quest to earn another Tilney Group “double double” with a comfortable victory over Western Warriors in the T20 Blitz tournament opener at sun-baked Titwood.
Responding the the hosts’ tally of 111 for nine, the Knights cruised to a four-wicket success with eight balls to spare. The men from the east bagged both the T20 Blitz and Pro50 titles last season – and with the latter trophy for 2019 already in their custody, they are out to repeat the feat.
Warriors had made a shaky start at the Clydesdale ground, and were never able to establish sufficient momentum and their innings would have been even lower but for a late flourish of 28 not out by David Stafford.
Ali Evans emerged as the pick of the visiting attack, claiming three for 20, including the prized scalp of Rory Kleinveldt for a duck.
Knights suffered an early setback with the departure of Oli Hairs, held by Ross Lyons off Kleinveldt. He was followed by Hayes van der Berg and Dylan Budge to give the hosts genuine hope.
Ali Shah and Corne Dry steadied the ship with a gritty partnership, only to perish in quick succession for and 18 and 39 respectively, but Warriors were unable to keep the pressure on when it mattered most.
Warriors now set their sights on picking up their first win of the campaign when they welcome Caledonian Highlanders to Titwood on Friday 26th July.