CENTRALS have started their new first grade season in perfect fashion beating defending minor premiers Waratahs by 39 runs at Riawena Oval on Saturday.

After taking eight rounds to record their first victory last season, Centrals posted 9-165 in the opening round of the Royal Hotel Cup before bowling Waratahs out for 126 in the 30th over.

New Centrals captain Wes Roweth was pleased with the result, which he puts down to a better attitude from his team than last season.

“It was a pretty good start to the season. Everyone was pretty happy and the fellas seemed a bit more into it,” Roweth said.

Centrals got off to a disastrous start against Waratahs on Saturday with opener Chris Hutchinson caught behind for a duck of Adam Brakenridge’s (3-33) bowling.

But fellow opener Nick Dunlop dropped anchor and dug in eventually scoring an important 47.

His innings helped Centrals recover to get to 5-105, leaving his skipper happy with his contribution.

“He batted real well, he was strong,” Roweth said.

“He didn’t look like giving an opportunity until he got out. He did a good opener’s job.”

Matt Fisher (28) and number nine Mark Wiegold (29 not out) then combined for a 41-run eight wicket partnership which helped Centrals post a competitive 9-165.

Wiegold then did the job with the ball, combining with Mitch Harvey and Hutchinson in knocking over the dangerous Waratahs middle order.

Gary Simpson made 36 for Waratahs at the top of the order but the middle order wasn’t able to build on his work as they lost three wickets for just 11 runs.

Wiegold claimed Waratahs captain Ray Doolan (15) and Nick Frail (0) in consecutive balls on his way to figures of 3-20, while Hutchinson finished with an outstanding 3-8 and Harvey 2-29.

“They’ve got a fair bit of batting depth so it was good to get through them pretty quick,” Roweth said.