WENDOUREE has kick-started its Ballarat Cricket Association club firsts title defence with an effortless victory over Darley.
The Red Caps restricted the Lions to a mediocre score before quickly chasing them down when it came turn to take the crease.
David Ellis was the pick of the Wendouree bowlers, snaring 4/17 as Darley battled to 8/70 from its 40 overs.
Just one Lions batsman made any real impact on the scoreboard, with Matthew Frew top scoring with 21 (51 balls).
Despite the early dismissal of Tom Reece for a duck, the Red Caps' run chase always looked in control.
Opener Cole Roscholler was the mainstay with an unbeaten 32, while first drop Gavin Webb added 23 to see the hosts reach the target in the 18th over with the loss of just two wickets.
Other round one results saw Napoleons-Sebastopol (4/162) beat Brown Hill (127), East Ballarat (4/172) defeat Coronet City (140) and North Ballarat (4/175) win over Golden Point (142).
The match between Mt Clear and Ballarat-Redan was washed-out without a ball being bowled.