Beechworth compiled 186 after winning the toss at Ball Park last week — a good total, but how good remains to be seen.

In reply, Corowa survived 12 perilous overs, with openers Kodee Lowe (10) and Matthew Wilson (8) nudging their way to 0-21.

“Those last few overs were a bit tricky but they did pretty well to get through it,” Corowa captain Jarred Lane said.

“There was a bit of life in the pitch, particularly with the new ball, and after being in the field all day they did well.”

With 165 still to chase, Lane said it was still anyone’s game.

“It’s pretty evenly balanced,” he said.

“They would say it’s defendable and we would say it’s very chasable — either way it should be a good chase.

“The most important part was not losing any wickets, and that might put us just in front — it’s probably a fraction in our favour.”

Nathan Rhodes and Haresh Sitharather will be among the bowlers hoping for a well-earned break, having taken three wickets each last week.

Only Kayde Surrey (66) really got away, notching up his second successive half century, although Mitchell Howe (49) provided solid support.

Lane said the pitch should hold up well for today’s chase.

“It will be fairly similar to last week, it’s a new wicket with a bit of grass on it,” he said.

“If you get in you should be able to play well once you get yourself set and get used to the pace of it.

“Obviously we have to get the runs first but we’d probably like to bat all day given it’s the first two-day game for the year.”

Any demons may come in the form of Beechworth’s bowling attack.

“It’s a pretty young bowling attack and it probably surprised us a bit,” Lane said.

“They’ve got a couple of bowlers we didn’t know much about, a couple of spinners and good variety, so they’ve got plenty of options.”