The home team restricted Yackandandah to 9-146 from its allotted 45 overs, passing the target seven wickets down.

Corowa claimed last year’s title in its maiden year in Cricket Albury-Wodonga following a rain-affected decider.

“We’ve just had a few blokes unavailable for the first few games, so we’re starting to get them and get back to full strength,” batsman Nathan Rhodes said.

Matt and Kade Wilson missed last week’s game against Barnawartha, while Matt Grantham was completing his university commitments.

Daniel Athanitis snared 4-26 from nine overs, Kaelan Bradtke finished with 3-25, while first-gamer and NSW Country under 18 representative Gabby Sutcliffe nabbed 2-17 off nine overs.

“Gabby bowled really well for her first game, I was quite impressed,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes has never played in the same team as a female in his nine years in first grade, although he did play against one.

Corowa’s chase was disrupted when Matt Wilson was forced to retire hurt on eight.

“He got hit on the elbow and when he tried a pull shot after, he felt like he twinged something,” Rhodes said.

“He tried to bat on, but he could hardly lift the bat up at all.”

Rhodes tallied his season’s highest score of 64, with a six and six boundaries, after making 36, 20 and 25 in his first three games.

“I’ve had a few starts and it was starting to get frustrating, so it was nice to kick on a bit further,” he said.

Corowa now boasts a two-three win-loss record.

Elsewhere, Kiewa suffered its first loss against Barnawartha-Chiltern.

The visitors scored 160, with a host of players contributing, including Tom Noonan (26), with Jacob Barber taking 4-21.

Kiewa replied with 132 as Caleb Boxall claimed 3-20.

Howlong’s Darren Keenes hammered an unbeaten 117 in the thumping win over Bethanga.

Keenes struck two sixes and 11 boundaries with the home team destroying Bethanga for just 61.

Mount Beauty belted Dederang.

The visitors’ Daniel Saville was dismissed for 98 in the total of 7-196.

But Dederang couldn’t get near it, Andrew Creamer (53) hitting almost half the total of 107 as Ashan Ranaweera claimed 3-5.

And Eskdale collapsed for 81 against Baranduda.

The visitors finished on 6-85 with Haydon Wilson posting 5-12 from nine overs.