WALLA turned in a five-star bowling performance to upset reigning premier Rand by 13 runs in a replay of last season's CAW grand final at Rand on Saturday.
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Defending just 97 runs, Hopper opening bowlers Joel Merkel and Mark Taylor turned the match on its head to have the home team reeling at 4-18.
The Pigeons were unable to recover despite stubborn resistance from Mark Kreutzberger (15 not out), Clint Ralston (17) and Daniel Lieschke (14).
Walla skipper Tom Simmons said his bowlers needed to deliver something special defending a small target.
"It could have went either one or two ways, but 'Tangles' (Mark Taylor), Joel Merkel and Jamie McCarthy came out on fire," Simmons said.
"We haven't bowled all year so it was pretty impressive.
"It's one of the best bowling performances they have put up by far.
"We got on top early and kept the pressure on."
Simmons said the win was crucial to keep Walla in touch with the top sides on the ladder after a rain interrupted start to the season.
Kieran McCarthy topscored with 16 with Justin Carter (14) and Merkel (12) the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
"We were 3-50 at drinks and set but then we just fell away," Simmons said.
"It was good to see the boys fight though as I think it shows how far our change in culture has come in the past few years."
The Rock-Yerong Creek star Todd Hannam showed why he's regarded as the premier player in the competition by steering his team to a 13-run win over Holbrook at Yerong Creek.
With wickets falling around him, Hannam stood firm in making 83 with Andrew Yates providing good support with 32.
Holbrook fought hard in chasing 147 with Hamish Mackinlay (40), Tom Heriot (21), Lewis Bowen (20) and Josh Beer (18) gallant in defeat.
"It got pretty close in the end," captain Ryan Kirkwood said.
"The wicket still needs a bit of work and to make 147 was a good score.
"As always, Todd batted really well.
"He rarely misses out."
The victory was TRYC's first of the season with Kirkwood, Hannam, Yates and Mark Alcorn picking up two wickets each.
Henty scored a 123-run win over rivals Culcairn courtesy of a superb 114 from opener Shannon Terlich.
Daniel Terlich and Braeden Pantling starred with the ball, taking four wickets each.
Brock-Burrum accounted for Walbundrie by 40 runs with Josh Koschitzke making a vital 35.
Osborne's Ed Perryman made 70 to defeat Lockhart.
