After losses in the opening two rounds, the Hoppers made light work of Culcairn in winning by 33 shots.

Norm Honey’s rink won by 18 shots, while Stephen Broad had four shots to spare against Terry Hensel and Allen Ross had a comprehensive 11-shot victory to make it a clean sweep.

North Albury team manager Bob Parks said it was good to get back to winning ways.

“It has become a bit of a bad habit for us in recent years with slow starts,” he said.

“I think we have lost the opening game to Holbrook for three years in a row and we always struggle at Commercial.

“The country clubs have the benefit of playing in the Odewahn Shield before the start of the pennant competition and they are probably tuned up for that first game.”

Parks said the three skips were outstanding.

“Every time they were in trouble they pulled out a bomb,” he said.

“I wouldn’t call it a warning shot to the other teams but it certainly showed what we are capable of after the first two rounds.

“We had to shuffle a few people around in the opening rounds but the teams on Saturday were pretty much where they will be for the rest of the year.”

Parks said the real test would come on Saturday week when North Albury plays the undefeated Henty.

“Henty at Henty will be tough after the bye,” he said.

“They look the team to beat.

“But we know we need to keep winning and have points in the bank before the Christmas break.”