Herbert River’s 1st XI had a successful hit out against an Over40 Herbert River side on Anzac Day at the Gilroy Santa Maria College ahead of their big game against the Bulls Masters on Saturday. The Over40’s won the toss but were soon regretting putting the first XI side into bat with openers Craig Menegon (62) and Brett Gilbey (60) making their bowlers look ordinary. Claiming their first wicket at 115 it didn’t get any easier for the Over40’s with Troy Menegon (67) getting his 50 in only 18 balls. Steven Devietti (53no) crushed what little moral the Over 40 side had left pushing the 1st XI side to 6/267 off their 20 overs. The Over40’s bowlers were all expensive with Michael Fortini 2/32 (4), Darrin Tennent 2/20 (2) and Jodie Venables 1/14 (2) the most successful. Over 13 runs an over was always going to be a tough chase and when Mitchell Seri 3/18 (4) and Chris Bradshaw 3/22 (4) tore through the top order the Over40’s where left reeling at 5/10. Darrin Tennent (40) and Scott Costa (36) restored some respectability to the scorebooks with Steven Carrara (17no) holding on to the 20th over before the Over40’s were all out for 122. Jonte Grazioli 0/4 (4) although wicket less was nearly impossible to score off. With a big crowd turning up for the game Herbert River Cricket will be looking at making this a yearly event and a great warm up for the “PartyTime” Over40T20 Challenge on the weekend. For the record the students won the opening match against the parents and teachers. Saturday also saw Darren Lehmann in town for a sold out lunch at the Hinchinbrook Hotel with Billy J Smith and from all reports this was a fantastic afternoon. This Friday the “PartyTime” Over40T20 Challenge blasts off with the Meet’n’Greet being held at the Menegon Centre at the Lady of Lourdes School. Food & Drink will be available on the night with tickets available now from Ingham Newsagency as well as at the venue on the night. Don’t miss this entertaining night with MC Billy J Smith, Ventriloquist Darren Carr as well as the chance to rub shoulders with some of Australia’s greatest cricketers including Jeff Thomson and Andrew Bichel. Saturday the action starts 8.00am with the first 2 rounds of the carnival followed by the Bulls Masters playing the Herbert River 1st XI side starting at 2.00pm. This is a free event although there are still tickets available for the sportsman Marquee which comes with a Food & Beverage package plus the chance to mingle with both teams. Also Saturday the Bulls Masters is running a free junior coaching clinic between 12.00- 1.00pm. Sunday also at 8.00am will see the remaining three rounds of games played before all the presentations are set to take place at 5:30pm. With the exception of Friday Night this whole weekend of entertainment is free, so make sure you come down and support this event.