BLACKHEATH showed it could be a contender for the Horsham Cricket Association A Grade premiership with a five-wicket win against last season's grand finalist Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park, Horsham.
The Plainsmen bowled the Saints out for 116 before passing the total in the second last over ending on 5-126.
Plainsmen captain Jason Templeton said Saturday's win was important to his side.
"It was an all-round team effort," he said. "To keep them to 116 was very pleasing.
"We still have three or four players to come back into the side. We had some great efforts from our teenagers and some fill-in players."
Templeton said his batsmen could have made the task a little easier.
"We probably made it hard for ourselves," he said. "But once we got to the last 10 overs we were confident we would get the runs.
"In the end we got to the score and that is all you can ask."
Templeton and Patrick O'Meara took the Plainsmen to victory with an unbroken 44-run partnership in the final overs.
Plainsmen opener Harry Young was the best batsman for his side making 28.
Saints captain Tim Bell took 2-13 off 10 overs while Tim Edgerton was best for the Plainsmen with 3-41 off nine overs.
Saints batsman Travis Hair was the only player to master the Coughlin Park wicket making 51.
Reigning premier Rup-Minyip made easy work of a disappointing Jung Tigers at Minyip.
The Blue Panthers made 6-174 before taming the Tigers to 67 all out.
Blue Panther Clint Midgley starred with the bat making 84 runs including 10 fours and a six.
David Puls was a bright spark for the Tigers taking 2-25 off 10 overs.
Steve Cameron's knock of 16 was the best of the Tigers' batsmen as Paul Morgan, Glenn Morgan and Brent Hudson combined to take the wickets.
Paul Morgan was the best of the Blue Panthers taking 4-14 off 10 overs.
Homers had a successful visit to Toolondo-Clear Lake winning by 83 runs.
The Pigeons made a flying raid on the struggling Lakers winning the toss and making 5-180 behind an impressive 68 from opener Jeremy Tyler.
In reply the home side barely raised a whimper with only Jock Heard, 40, and Greg Eldridge, 20, making a challenge.
Chris Hopper showed he had lost none of his ability with the ball taking 5-12 off 10 overs.
Noradjuha cruised past an undermanned Colts team.
The Nardoos bowled Colts out for 117 then unleashed Combe brothers, Justtin and Matt, who made a 78-run partnership before Justtin was caught out for 45 with the total in sight.
Matt Combe finished on 64 not out to lead his side to 2-118.
Justtin Combe said his side made a perfect start to the season.
"Its a great way to get started," he said. "Matt batted very well."