READ MORE - Kingower v Arnold | PHOTOS
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THE superb batting form of Kingower and Arnold from the previous week deserted both teams on Saturday's opening day of the Upper Loddon Cricket Association grand final.
However, it was the performance of Arnold wicket-keeper Phil Scholes that was the big talking point out of day one at Inglewood.
Scholes took nine catches as Kingower was all out for 57 in its first innings in reply to Arnold's 123.
Scholes took four catches off the bowling of Cameron Dale (5-17), four off Ryan Metelmann (4-15) and one off Daniel Mason (1-16).
The only Kingower batsman not caught by Scholes was Jayden Leach (8), who was caught and bowled by Dale.
Earlier in the day after winning the toss and batting, Arnold lost its last seven wickets for just 32 runs to be all out for 123.
Brothers Jayden (5-26) and Nick Leach (3-20) combined for eight wickets for Kingower.
Nick's scalps included Arnold's two semi-final century makers from the previous week - Matt Giri (40) and Ryan Metelmann (1).
Despite only having 123 on the board, it was enough for a 66-run first innings lead for Arnold after Kingower collapsed for just 57 as nicks constantly flew through to keeper Scholes.
Only Ben Rose (12) and David Rose (11) scored in double figures for Kingower, which was bowled out for less than 100 for the first time in its past 34 games.
Arnold and Kingower tallying just 180 runs between them comes after they combined for 789 runs in the first innings of their semi-final wins the previous week.
The Leach brothers again got among the wickets in Arnold's second innings of 167, teaming up for another seven - Jayden bagging 4-41 and Nick 3-36.
As he did in the first innings, the hard-hitting Giri top-scored for Arnold with 45 as the Redbacks built an overall lead of 233 runs.
Kingower went to stumps on Sunday at 1-45 in its second innings with David Rose (20 n.o.) and Ben Rose (19 n.o.) at the crease when the grand final resumes next Saturday morning.
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