Northern Knights cricketer Cameron Merchant opened his season in style in Sydney premier cricket on the weekend.
Merchant stood out on opening day with his side, Manly-Warringah, nearly upsetting reigning premiers St George.
Batting at three, Merchant scored a blistering 131 off 90 balls and also took 42-2 with his off spinners as St George won by five wickets.
Northern teammate Joseph Yovich, playing for Sutherland against Eastern Suburbs, scored 15 as his side made 259 for eight off their 50 overs. Yovich was dismissed by Australian left arm paceman Nathan Bracken.
Yovich claimed 42-1 off 10 overs as Eastern Suburbs fell nine runs short.
Both players return to New Zealand later in October.
