The Ballarat Veterans Cricket Club will enter the holidays on a high after recording its first ever win.
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Ballarat, 4-162, chased down Melbourne-based Maribyrnong's 5-157 on Saturday. The victory lifts Ballarat to 16th on the Veterans Cricket Victoria over-60s ladder.
A 33-run opening partnership had Maribyrnong on the right track before a screamer of a catch from Rob Florence sent Robert Penrose to the sheds off a Jeff Hussey delivery.
Maribyrnong stayed steady with the bat, with six batsmen retiring after batting their maximum number of balls. However they were contained in the final overs due to some tight bowling from Florence and Carl Schoonraard (2-11).
Ballarat was quick off the mark to begin the run chase but lost Peter Le Lievre in the second over on 15.
Florence and John Porteous kept the runs ticking over before Porteous was dismissed, leaving Ballarat at 2-42 after seven overs.
Florence retired on 40, as did David Thomson (27), Steve Clark (11) and Jeff Hussey (19).
Some strategic captain's advice from Le Lievre ensured Ballarat's batsman stayed sensible at the crease, which took pressure off tail-enders Michael Niele, John Penhall and Terry Flynn.
Ballarat scored the winning runs with two overs to spare.
Florence's knock of 40 and superb catch at gully yielded him Player of the Game honours. He also proved his worth with the ball, with economical bowling figures 0-15 off six overs.
Ballarat will next play Victoria Country on January 10.