But it was Moama who made the most of the conditions to claim a 20-run victory over Leitchville-Gunbower, kick-starting the year in fine fashion.
Moama’s decision to bat first seemed a precarious one after a successful early spell of bowling from Simon Tatt saw openers Russell Stockdale and Anthony McMahon depart early in the innings.
Vikai Kelly’s dismissal of Matt Saunders three balls later swung the game well and truly into Leitchville-Gunbower’s favour, with Moama perched precariously at 3-17.
The middle order combination of Fraser Buchanan and Jordan McGregor once again came to the rescue with a 72-run partnership, the third of more than 50 between the two batsmen this season.
A mix-up saw Fraser Buchanan run-out for 38, while Josh O’Shea brought about McGregor’s demise on 29.
Tatt and Kelly then rolled through the lower order and, despite a late contribution from Kirk Teasdale (16 not out), Moama was consigned to a score of 124, Tatt finishing with figures of 4-26.
Defending a low total, Anthony McMahon got his side off to the perfect start with the prized wicket of Tyler Jones for just two runs in the third over.
Kelly was next to go for a duck, another victim of McMahon’s bowling.
Matt Saunders’ dismissal of Kurt Brereton saw Leitchville-Gunbower’s run chase stall at 3-22, and while O’Shea (40) battled hard at the other end, the wickets continued to tumble.
Tatt (28) and Zeb Ellwood (15) stood tall but Jordan McGregor’s ruthless spell put an end to any hope of Leitchville-Gunbower making up the ground, all out for 104.
McGregor with figures of 3-7 and McMahon with 3-15 were the pick of the bowlers.
Leitchville-Gunbower has now lost three games on the spin and will look to rebound quickly in next round’s rematch against reigning premier Echuca.
Moama has a bye in round 11.
The game
Moama 124 d Leitchville-Gunbower 104
Moama: Anthony McMahon 3-15, Jordan McGregor 3-7 and 29, Fraser Buchanan 38
Leitchville-Gunbower: Simon Tatt 28 and 4-26, Josh O’Shea 40
