After a modest start to the year, the Hoppers were steered to victory by skip Geoff Kidd, who had an impressive 27-17 rink win over John Opdam.

Kidd was the only skip to win his rink for Albury, with Greg Dunn and Barry Wise going down in their rinks to Glenn Harrison and Bruce Diffey respectively.

They are in fifth position on the grade 2 ladder and will be hoping the triumph can get the ball rolling.

SS and A (1) powered to the top of the table with a 73-58 victory over Commercial.

Skip Duane Crow set up the win with a super impressive 31-11 rink triumph over David Barnes.

Norm Honey, who led his rink to a 22-17 win, said the efforts of Crow were crucial.

“It was pretty difficult conditions given the wind so it was a good win,” Honey said.

“It was pushing it across the green a fair bit which made things difficult to judge.

“We’re still missing a few players so it shows we have pretty good depth.

“Duane Crow played extremely well and won his rink by 20 shots which is a pretty good effort.

“All the guys did their job which is all you can ask.

“We’re looking forward to another good season.”

Ewen McPhee also played a role in the triumph over Commercial playing under Honey.

SS and A (2) was no match for reigning champion Lavington Panthers the latter winning 70-47.

George Lee, Michael Hodges and Michael Cossor all won their rinks for the Panthers and will be keen to continue their form against SS and A (1) next week.

Honey said he was looking forward to again locking horns with the Panthers.

“They had a good win over our second side and will be keen to do well against us,” Honey said.

“They have some good players and obviously had a good year last season as well.

“It should be a pretty hard fought game I would think.”