The Eagles elected to bat after winning the toss – and opener Cameron Rattray quickly proved it was a good decision.

Rattray made 77 runs and number four batsman Mark McPherson contributed 43 to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills looked set for more than 200 runs before things came spectacularly unstuck late in the innings.

The team lost its final four wickets for no runs to be all out for 188, giving last season’s minor premier some hope.

Bruce Hando was on fire for St Arnaud, capturing five wickets for just 15 runs.

Lachlan Patching was the only other multiple wicket-taker for the Saints with two.

The Saints’ strong finish in the field did not carry over to their batting, with openers Jacob Patching and Carl Torney removed cheaply.

Despite Lachlan Patching’s 34 runs and James Coloe’s 25,  St Arnaud never really got going. Brothers Chris and Mark McPherson claimed seven wickets between them for the Eagles, who got home by 71 runs.

Jeffcott registered its first win for the season with victory over Charlton.

Jeffcott’s 7-175 was too much for the Charlton batsmen, who could not find consistency despite solid contributions from captain Brett Schofield, Kris Clifford and Luke Sarre.

Sam Condon was Charlton’s best bowler with 4-33, while the Jeffcott’s bowling honours went to Nicholas Atkins who finished with three wickets.

St Mary’s preserved its unbeaten start to the season by easily chasing down Donald’s 9-115.

Justin Knorpp’s three wickets led an even St Mary’s attack.

Top three St Mary’s batsmen Kane Taylor, Tim Germano and Alex Ross made a combined 99 runs to send the team well on the way to victory in less than 30 overs.

Jake Leith was the pick of the Donald bowlers with 2-27.

In other results, Wycheproof-Narraport beat Marnoo, giving the Demons their first points of the season.