The defending champions made the best possible start to their defence with a demolition of an undermanned Myrtleford last week.

Prolific batsman Matthew Knight and opener Zach Moore piled on an unbeaten 198-run stand before knocking over the Saints for just 33.

Former Rutherglen quick Nathan Thomas (three wickets) and Paul Marshall in his second season in the competition were the chief destroyers with the ball.

Lakers stalwart Lee Fraser said they couldn’t afford to take their foot off the pedal against Rovers United in another one-dayer today.

“The way the competition is structured this year there is an uneven number of byes with the top four from last year all missing out on a second bye and the points that go with it,” he said.

“Last week was a great start against a Myrtleford team that has lost some of its key players.

“We know we can’t underestimate a side like Rovers who pushed us when we played them last year and beat us the season before that.”

Fraser said Moore had played his best innings for the club in the season opener.

“Zach’s just 22 and already played in a couple of premierships but he was really composed,” he said.

“Matt is always good.

“He’s a class act and big on the fact that when you are set you go on and get a big score, so for the pair of them to rack up a partnership of almost 200 was great.”

Fraser was also full of praise for off-season recruit Thomas.

“He came across from Rutherglen, where he took 27 wickets last year, after their first grade side folded and was quick and aggressive,” he said.

“Paul Marshall who came from Mooroopna, where Matt came from, just last year, was also impressive.

“But the way the competition is structured we need to repeat that effort with the bat and ball on Saturday.

“We know Rovers, Magpies and Corowa have been playing kids in the past two summers and they are now not too far off the mark.”