Victoria on top despite Tasmanian teen's debut fifty

Tim Ward scored a handy 45 in Tasmania's first innings of the Shield match against Victoria. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

Tasmania teenager Aidan O'Connor posted a half-century on debut but couldn't prevent Victoria taking honours on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash in Hobart.

O'Connor top-scored with 53 as the hosts were bowled out for 236 on Saturday after being sent in to bat.

The 18-year-old allrounder struck six fours and a six in his 92-ball innings.

Tigers Sheffield Shield Cap Number 214 - Aidan O'Connor. Presented by Winston Mason a fellow George Town boy and father of Scott Mason. Making the occasion even more special as Aidan's debut forms part of the Scott Mason Memorial Match. pic.twitter.com/IztUaAgfOj

— Tasmanian Tigers (@TasmanianTigers) February 8, 2025

In response, Victoria openers Campbell Kellaway (3no) and Marcus Harris (2no) safely steered their side through seven overs to 0-5 at stumps.

Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald (41) and Tim Ward (45) both got starts but couldn't go on with the job as regular wickets fell.

Ward's dismissal - brilliantly run out by Kellaway - sparked a middle-order collapse, with the Tigers losing 4-31 in the space of 10 overs.

Patrick Mahomes is nice, but have you seen Campbell Kellaway? 🎯 #vicsdoitbetter pic.twitter.com/8YXCjQ9DEv

— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) February 8, 2025

Victoria's bowlers spread the workload.

Captain Will Sutherland (2-61), veteran Peter Siddle (2-43), Sam Elliott (2-51) and Fergus O'Neill (2-56) all claimed multiple wickets.

O'Connor is one of two first-class debutants for last-placed Tasmania alongside 20-year-old Raf MacMillan.