Five wickets to Heights bowler Adam Clay looked to have given his side the advantage early on in the match before a superb century to 16 year old Zeb Johnston propelled Rovers to a total of 262 with their opponents only managing 147 in response.

Rovers player Josh Brenton said it was a sterling effort from the teenager who was making his first grade debut after spending last season playing third grade.

“He did extremely well to come in and get us out that tight spot,” he said.

“It really did set up the win for us. I thought Kempsey Heights put in a good performance considering they were down on numbers but luckily we managed to hold on to our catches in the field and start the season off with a win.”

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Rovers raced to 0-50 before opener Josh Swan became Clay’s first victim, dismissed for 21.

It opened the floodgates for Kempsey Heights as the Rovers would end up losing their first five wickets for just 17 runs with Clay claiming all five scalps in a devastating spell of bowling.

It was left to number six Johnston to resurrect the inning with the teenager combining with number seven Josh Collings for a 129 run stand before the latter was run out for 24.

Johnston went on to top score for his side with 121 as the Rovers set their opponents a target of 262 for victory.

Adam Clay finished with figures of 5-27 off seven overs.

It was always going to be tough for Kempsey Heights who only had eight players at their disposal.

Captain Todd Giddy lead from the front with a well made 71 but soon ran out of partners as his team were dismissed for 147.

George Johnstone and Tim Smith each snared two wickets each for Rovers as they recorded a convincing 115 run victory.