Hensel, who is battling cancer, again top-scored for Patties at the weekend with 73 as they charged past Albury’s modest total of 104.

Hensel, who made 79 against North Albury last round, arrived at the crease at 3-38 last week and victory was still far from assured.

But he soon changed that as St Pat’s made the total for the loss of just one more wicket.

They finished the day all out for 204.

“He keeps on enjoying himself and making runs, which is great,” skipper Heath Naughton said.

“We’ll take the win and run, pretty much.

“We’ve got a big month coming up.”

In the round’s other games, East Albury coach James McNeil belted his first century since returning to the Crows’ nest.

McNeil, who was named in the All-Australian Country team last month, plundered 121 to steer East Albury to an easy win over rival contender Tallangatta.

The Crows finished 8-296 at the end of play, having little trouble chasing down Tallangatta’s modest day one total of 9-159.

Elsewhere, New City openers Steve Jolliffe (49) and John Pratt (47) got the Phoenix off to a flyer as they downed North Albury at Urana Road Oval.

New City finished all out for 203 after passing the Hoppers’ target of 141.

Lavington had little trouble defending 262 against Wodonga Raiders and even threatened for an outright.

The Raiders were bowled out for 133 and finished 5-79 in their second dig.