Rochester is going to be among the teams to beat.
Last season’s runners-up recorded a comfortable four-wicket victory over Cooma on Saturday despite losing the toss and being sent into the field.
Cooma opener Sean Barrett gave the visitors plenty to think about as he struck 84 runs from 99 balls.
But he struggled to find any consistent support as no other Cooma player reached 30.
Cooma would eventually reach 8/186 from its 45 overs.
Rochester captain Sean Williams said he was pleased with how his side embraced the challenge throughout the afternoon.
Myles Wade was particularly menacing with the ball, leading the way with three wickets.
“It was just great to get out on the field with the boys and have a hit,” Williams said.
“Losing the toss set us back a little bit because the wicket was very good. From the start we knew the surface was going to be difficult to bowl well on.
“I thought Myles bowled really good line and length throughout his spells.
“Overall, it was a good bowling performance by the boys.”
In response, openers Tim Bubb (11 runs from 34 balls) and Waugh George (25 from 63) were able to see off the home side’s new bowlers before eventually being dismissed.
But a 67-run stand between Williams (43 runs) and Angus Martin (54) put Rochy well on course for victory.
That was before star all-rounder Dylan Cuttriss produced some strong hitting late in the innings to help the visitors win the game inside 39 overs.
“It was good to see some consistency right throughout the batting order,” Williams said.
“Obviously there was some rust for all our guys, and we’d expect to get better in the coming weeks.
“Tim and Waugh gave us a really nice platform at the top of the order.”
In other A grade matches, reigning premier Kyabram Fire Brigade was far too good for Echuca.
Meanwhile Bamawm-Lockington United and Moama also opened their campaigns with wins.
● IN B grade, Rochester was also able to get its season off to a strong start thanks to a resounding 107-run win over Tongala.
Brandon Byrne had a day out for the home side after scoring 61 at the top of the order before taking 2-8 with the ball.
Joel Bunce made a half-century of his own for the home side after coming in at first drop.
● C GRADE started its season on the back foot after going down to Rushworth by 46 runs.
Leigh Dolby fought hard taking three wickets before scoring 41 runs with the bat.
More sport news
GMC forms combined women's team
Rochester ready to bounce back
Goulburn Murray Cricket fixtures confirmed
3°C