In the first round of the Macleay Valley Cricket Association competition the Rocks were up against last year’s grand finalists. Last season was not the best for the Rocks. Halfway through the season they dropped their first grade team to second grade.

However, the new season has bought a new influx of players who proved they are serious this season.

The Rocks won the toss and elected to bat first. This proved to be a smart move by captain and opening batsman Peter Atterton.

Atterton and fellow opener Mark Smee got the Rocks off to a great start with an 82-run partnership before Smee (24) was caught off the bowling of Steve Moorcroft.

The runs continued with first drop Brad Schubert at the crease.

Atterton was caught off the bowling of Zach Maitland for 70 with the Rocks dominating the match at 2/144.

Ben Schubert (32) joined his brother at the crease and combined they moved the score line to an impressive 227 before Brad was caught off the bowling of Ricky Styles.

He fell six runs shy of a century.

After the completion of the set 35 overs, the Rocks were in a commanding position with 238 runs, with the loss of only three wickets.

SPECC is known to have a number of good batsmen in their side so their target was reachable.

A number of their batsmen did get starts but were unable to capitalise.

First drop, Kyle Masters, top scored for SPECC with 39 runs, and opener Moorcroft was next best with 32.

After the allotted 35 overs SPECC fell short of their target, 7/164.

Next week South West Rocks will take on the Kempsey Heights a Verge 2, while SPECC will take on Nulla at South Kempsey.