Excelsior in Control of Spalding Cup

Grace Shield champions Excelsior High were in full control on day one of the Spalding Cup playoff against Headley Cup winners Manchester High at Melbourne Oval.

Excelsior won the toss and batted and were dismissed for 218 in 52 overs, thanks in the main to David Dewar who slammed 81 from 53 balls with 11 fours and three sixes.

Dewar shared in an opening stand of 123 with Jamaire Dailey who weighed in with 41 while Cavan Malcolm made 20 against captain Brian Barnes 3 for 32 and Kelon Jones 2 for 3.

Manchester in reply were bundled out for 71 in 23 overs after falling at one stage to 49 for 8.

Captain Michael Clarke bagged 4 for 23 and Demarco Scott 4 for 25.

Batting a second time Excelsior reached 82 for 4 at close an overall lead of 229.