City Colts host the rapidly-improved Ovens Valley United at Barr Reserve on Saturday.

Colts’ captain Kent Braden admitted it’s good for the competition to have a number of teams in the mix.

“Everyone has evened out and Ovens Valley have picked up,” Braden said.

“I think the merger with Bright and surrounds has definitely helped them and they’ve got a couple of imports, so it will make for a good clash.

“Where they’ve improved is their depth and being able to score runs at eight, nine, 10, 11.

“We’ve just got to make sure we play the full 40 overs and bowl consistent lines.

“Their bowling has improved as well, so we’ve got to make sure we take singles and get ourselves in.

“Hopefully they bowl a few loose balls.”

Braden added he couldn’t be happier with the way in which his side has started the season.

“We’re rapt at the moment, we were probably a little bit late starting the season through a few guys still having footy commitments,” he said.

Opening bowler Dylan Adams will miss with a hamstring strain and has been replaced by youngster Tom Moore.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala is out to continue its unbeaten start to the season against Rovers United-Bruck, Delatite welcomes Greta, while Benalla Bushrangers host Wangaratta.

Beechworth has the bye.