The Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association team kicked off the KFC Festival of Cricket on a high on Sunday with a big win over South West at Hamilton’s Monivae College.


Mount Gambier started the day by winning the toss and electing to bat.


Openers Justin de Jong and Ben Hentschke got off to a solid start but did not make a big impact, with de Jong scoring 17 while Hentschke made six.


This brought Jack Mullan and Jake Blackwell to the crease and the duo put some major runs on the board as Mullan scored 76 while Blackwell added 32.


Two other big contributors at the crease for Mount Gambier were William Rowland and captain Alex Hentschke.


Rowland made 34 while Hentschke chipped in with 27 of his own.


In the back end of the innings Mount Gambier got another run boost from Isaac Mulraney with 33 off 19 to close the innings.


Mount Gambier finished the 50 overs with a score of 9/261.


Mount Gambier were even better with the ball as they did a great job at stopping South West from chasing down their large run total.


Mount Gambier bowled well with Alex and Ben Hentschke being the two leading wicket takers with four while Jack Miller and Sam Willis claimed the other two.


Mount Gambier bowled out South West in 35 overs as they could only make 149 in that time.


Captain Alex Hentschke was pleased with how the side fielded and bowled as well as the way they defended their run total.


“We started well with the ball, with plenty to defend we were taking wickets regularly and always in a good spot,” he said.


“A few dropped chances and some small partnerships from South West built some frustration before we were able to close out the innings with 110 runs to spare.”


Mount Gambier’s next game will be held at Frew Park as they take on Warrnambool Moyne on Sunday, December 15.