Resuming at 3-26 chasing 164, the home team survived a tense opening 40 minutes with Brad Smith (24) and Kade Brown (60) ensuring the line-up went on to win its second match of the season.

Pat Plummer (21 not out) and Dan Dixon (29 not out) added the finishing touches.

“The pitch was pretty flat and we had to work hard,” Dixon said.

“Brad Smith usually bats down the order but he came up and was really good.

“We have to crawl before we can walk and we’re slowly getting there.

“We put in a lot of work before Christmas and we are just getting to see the results.

“It was good to win only five wickets down.”

It was Albury’s first win since it defeated Wodonga in round 3 and virtually guarantees provincial newcomer Wodonga Raiders will collect the wooden spoon.

Dixon said the mood had remained upbeat at Albury despite a string of losses.

“There is a positive vibe around the club,” he said.

“Our focus is one game at a time and we just want to keep improving.”

Wodonga Raiders threw everything at Albury in the opening overs through Jesse Griffiths but couldn’t create the break-through they needed.

North Albury put up a brave fight before going down to St Patrick’s by 27 runs at Bunton Park.

The Hoppers were in control early with David Farrell (34), Ash Borella (50) and ageless warrior Dan Kadaoui (62) on top of the Patties’ bowlers.

But the introduction of spinner Kane Arendarcikas turned the match with the veteran taking 5-47 to see the visitors home.