An unbeaten David Warner century has helped Randwick Petersham to a last-ball win over St George in the opening round of the NSW Premier Cricket season.
Both sides had big name inclusions on Saturday, with Randwick welcoming back Warner and young NSW batsman Jason Sangha to their side.
St George were also buoyed by the additions of captain Trent Copeland and Test quick Josh Hazlewood.
Randwick captain Anthony Sams’ decision to send St George in after winning the toss at Coogee Oval looked questionable as Saints batsmen Nick Stapleton (108) and Blake Macdonald (104) piled on a 176-run partnership for the second wicket.
But the hosts were able to apply the brakes, restricting St George to 6/277 from their 50 overs.
Warner was always going to be the key wicket for Saints, with the former Test batsman making his return to grade cricket after his suspension from international and domestic cricket for his role in the now infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.
Peter Francis was the star with the ball for Saints, overshadowing Copeland (1-31) and Hazlewood (1-30) to take 3-50.
But St George were unable to remove Warner, with the opener carrying his bat in making an unbeaten 155 from just 152 balls. His knock included 13 fours and two sixes, with Randwick getting home on the final ball of their innings to win by four wickets.
Saints travel to Owen Earle Oval to face Hawkesbury on day one of their two-day, round two fixture on Saturday.
Former Test captain Steve Smith will play for Sutherland as they host Manly-Warringah at Glenn McGrath Oval, Caringbah.
Play starts at 9.30am.
