North Albury newcomer Matt Dennerley did something in just his second week some players can't achieve in a career - claim a hat-trick.

The fast-medium bowler joined the 50-over premiers from Phillip Island.

East Albury was cruising at 1-56 on Saturday when Dennerley claimed the prized scalps of West Indian import Romario Greaves and fellow representative batsman Kris Milosta, followed by Dean White.

"Ben Paddle took a screamer out on the boundary (off Greaves), he probably ran 25m and had a full length dive to his left," captain Ash Borella said.

Dennerley's match-winning spell netted 4-22 from three overs.

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BATTING DOWN

Meanwhile, Borella has demoted himself to number four.

"Towards the end of last season I batted number four and it sort of worked," he said.

"Every other year I've opened and had that aggressive role at the top, so now when I come in I can either up the rate or knuckle down for a little bit and get some momentum back."

Borella is also the pitch curator at Bunton Park.

"I can sit back at number four which gives me a little bit of time between the innings and finishing the curating," he said.

BIG HITTING BRANDON

North might have found its new opener in Brandon Purtell.

He plastered 44 from 35 balls against the Crows, striking four boundaries and a six.

"It was a spur of the moment decision, so it was good to give him a crack and see what he can do," Borella said.

"Brandon and Tom Hemsley are fighting for a spot at the top and he did what we asked, hit the ball clean."

It was just the third time in his 94 matches that Purtell had opened the batting, although he boasts a ton.

MISSING RUNS

Purtell might have been in the runs, but the same can't be said of the association.

After four rounds of T20, the average score has been 7-93 from 18 overs.

At the corresponding stage last season, it was 7-120 off 19.4 overs.

Pitch preparation and weather can have an impact, but time's up at T20 level with Border Bullets facing Murrumbidgee on Sunday.

YOUNG HOPES

Belvoir has stated it will be a development year as it bloods a host of youngsters and they showed their talents in Saturday's win over Tallangatta.

"Our kids did an amazing job, Casey George had a really good spell and took a wicket with his first ball," captain Nat Sariman said.

David Perkins and keeper Baylee Jerram were involved in the first run out.

FIRST WIN

Albury snared its first win with an eight-wicket thumping of St Patrick's on Sunday.

The Patties posted 8-90 with Mitch O'Brien top-scoring with 30, while Kade Brown took 4-11.

Albury raced to the target in just 14 overs with English import Louis Botes (25) and Dominic Stockdale (24) posting a 41-run opening stand.

Wodonga Raiders remain the only winless team.