Eskdale chased down Howlong’s 120 with ease before going on to amass 354 at Eskdale.

Four batmen scored more than 50 for the defending premiers, with Shaun Baude falling just short of a ton with 96.

Defending just 146, Yackandandah made light work of Bethanga, with Danny Atwell taking his maiden first grade five-wicket haul.

The Roos had four players on debut, including opener Rajeev Tyagi, who followed up his first innings 25 with a 76 in the second dig that included 14 fours and a six.

Captain Mick Walker said it was a nice start to the season.

“Early wins in what looks like being a tight competition again are critical when it comes to the business end of the season,” he said.

“But at the same time it was the strength of the performance that was most pleasing — Tyagi looked good in both innings, while Atwell produced his first ‘five for’.

“We also had three teenagers make their debut — Bailey Glass and Cameron Evans are both still playing under-16s, while it was also Mitchell Scholz’s first hit in the top grade.

“These guys are the future of the club, so for them to come into first grade and perform well is a real positive.

“The pitch was a bit doughy under the crust last week but there was nothing wrong with it on Saturday.”

Eskdale captain Jamie Baude said it was a perfect start but said he was expecting a very different assignment at Yackandandah.

“Shaun Baude looked certain to make 100 before going for the big hit that cost him his wicket,” he said.

“But Howlong was undermanned in the bowling department and it’s hard to get a gauge on where we are at.

“Yack has some great bowlers who will test us at their home ground.

“Still you can’t do much more than win and score runs and we did both those things as a tune-up for next week.”

Barnawartha-Chiltern all-but fulfilled Cam McCormack’s wish to bat a full day, compiling 222 to complete its opening day win over Dederang.

Mt Beauty downed Baranduda at Baranduda and Kiewa outclassed Wodonga at Kiewa.