South Australia has opened its Sheffield Shield title defence in style, defeating Victoria by an innings and 41 runs in a commanding performance at Junction Oval.
In a rematch of last season's Sheffield Shield final, the reigning champions produced a dominant all-round display, which included maiden-first class centuries to debutant Noah McFadyen and stand-in captain Ben Manenti.
After winning the toss and electing to field, South Australia made an early breakthrough through Brendan Doggett, who took the first wicket of the Shield season, thanks to a Jake Lehmann catch.
Debutant Noah McFadyen then made an immediate impact, claiming the dangerous wickets of Peter Handscomb and Marcus Harris in quick succession.
Nathan McAndrew also produced a moment of brilliance, pulling off an incredible run out after the ball got hit back to him, with Victoria dismissed for 244 on day one.
South Australia responded with a number of valuable contributions with the bat, with Henry Hunt and Jake Lehmann both posting half-centuries before being dismissed for 71 and 90 respectively.
South Australia was forced into a change early on day three after Jake Weatherald was ruled out with concussion, paving the way for Matthew Gilkes to make his debut.
On the field, South Australia’s first innings reached another level with Manenti and McFadyen taking control and both securing centuries.
Manenti brought up his maiden first class hundred in a special moment for the Italian international, before going on to make 128 off 154 deliveries.
At the other end, McFadyen continued his remarkable debut, reaching three figures in emphatic style, hitting consecutive sixes off fellow debutant Harry Hoekstra. His century helped South Australia reach 508 before being bowled out at lunch.
South Australia started well with the ball, with McAndrew claiming the early wickets of Harris and Handscomb.
The visitors continued to chip away at the wickets, with Henry Thornton, Doggett and Manenti each making important contributions, while Mackenzie Harvey produced a remarkable catch at short leg off Manenti's bowling.
Manenti’s second wicket came late in the day, extending play as South Australia pushed for a result, however, Victoria showed resilience with the hosts reaching 7/175 at stumps on day three.
Thornton struck early on day four, removing Hoekstra, before McAndrew dismissed O'Neill for 62.
McFadyen then completed a memorable debut by claiming the final wicket, dismissing victoria for 224 to seal an innings and 41 run win.
The result gave South Australia the perfect start to its Sheffield Shield defence, with the reigning champions making an early statement.
South Australia will face Queensland at Adelaide Oval in their next match, from the 19th October.