The dashing left-hander plundered an unbeaten 137 against a helpless Saints bowling lineup, to lay the foundation for the Blue Panthers' comfortable 75-run win.

Byrne's blistering innings - that included 11 boundaries - came just a week after he scored 96, albeit in a losing cause against Noradjuha-Toolondo.

Byrne wasn't without pressure after Jono Carroll (2-53) dismissed his fellow opening partner cheaply.

Another cheap wicket would follow, leaving the young Saints with a semblance of hope that quickly disappeared thanks to a 116-run third-wicket stand between Byrne and Connor Weidemann.

Weidemann (30) showed maturity beyond his years in a collected knock, that eventually ended with a faint edge off Dylan Avery (1-44)

IN OTHER NEWS: Safety warning issued after 'tragic' death in the Grampians

Dan Schaper (31) chipped in with handy runs at the death, with the Blue Panthers skipper and the faultless Byrne guiding the hosts to 4-238.

The Saints' response quickly ventured into familiar territory, with the middle-order tasked with resurrecting the side from 2-3.

Corey Smith took on the responsibility and found support from his captain Matt Currill.

The pair shared a 94-run stand that ended when Currill holed out in the deep for 50.

The Blue Panthers' bowlers made light work of the Saints' lower-order, with Bailey Young the chief destroyer.

Young topped off the more-than-respectable figures of 5-14 off 5.3 overs, with a one-handed screamer at backward point, as the Saints fell away to 163.

Dylan Avery was the last to fall for a golden duck, leaving cousin Corey Smith stranded on 80 not out.

At City Oval, West Wimmera moved above Noradjuha-Toolondo on the ladder with a tense two-run victory.

The Warriors were sitting precariously at 5-57, thanks to some early Jordan McDonald (4-12 off 8) magic with the ball.

Liam Preston (30) and Josh Lees (36) rallied for the westerners and pushed their side to 8-141.

The Bullants promoted Tony Caccaviello to the top of the order, in a move that seemed to work wonders, with the hard-hitter sharing a 52-run opening stand with Justtin Combe.

Caccaviello would be first to fall for a quickfire 35, followed shortly by his partner for 16.

Josh Beddison (16) and Matt Combe (21) ably continued the chase, and when the latter was dismissed for 5-141 in the 31st over there would have been confidence the lower order would get the job done.

The Warriors had other plans, however, snaring three cheap wickets thanks to the efforts of Nathan Alexander (2-31) and Austin Smith (2-42).

The Bullants entered the last over needing six runs with two wickets in hand. A dot first ball made proceedings difficult, and a wicket with the second made it even harder.

A run-out on the second-to-last ball would see the Bullants dismissed just two runs short.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The result allowed Homers to move to the top of the ladder with their 34-run win against Jung Tigers.

Adam Atwood led the charge for his side, smashing 71 at the top of the order. Supporting roles from Luke Deutscher (27) and Jett Hopper (38) carried the Pigeons through to 7-212 at the end of their innings.

David Puls (2-25) and Joel Pymer (2-36) were Jung's only multiple wicket-takers.

Few Jungsters were able to capitalise on starts in the chase, with Craig Britten (3-28) effective with the new ball.

Angus Adams (48) proved resistant, but lost too many partners as the visitors powered through to 171.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to the Wimmera Mail-Times, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling the Wimmera's story. We appreciate your support of local journalism.