The side claimed a 33-run victory against Warrnambool White in their first game back from a year-long hiatus, forced by player shortages.

Though countless Horsham batters failed to capitalise on starts, their respectable 177 proved plenty on a pitch where few played with true ease.

Horsham Saints' Dylan Thompson (40) was the best with the bat and was well supported by clubmate Aiden Laffy (32) and Homers' Paddy Mills (23).

Rup-Minyip pair Blake Turner (3-9) and Bailey Young (2-20) proved lethal with the ball, with regular wickets dousing Warnnambool's run-chase.

Wimmera-Mallee wasn't as successful on the opening day, losing by 25 runs to Portland.

Closer to home, HCA's under-15 side played out a nailbiter against Warrnambool Blue at City Oval.

Needing seven to win off the last two overs, with two wickets in hand, the hosts were undone by a composed bowling attack.

The last ball of the run-chase saw the hosts lose their last wicket, two runs shy of the 127 total.

Lower-order batsmen Oscar Gawith (29) and Colts' Logan Millar (29) starred to give their side a chance from 6-49.

Joey Nagorka (3-24), Will Gellatly (2-16) and Ammaar Khan (2-17) all proved to be wicket-taking threats.

Tomorrow, HCA's under-17 side takes on Portland, while their under-15 compatriots face Hamilton.

Wimmera-Mallee's under-17 side plays Warrnambool White, and the under-15's compete against Colac.