In a stunning round of upsets which saw four lower-placed teams win on Saturday, Raiders damaged East Albury's top two hopes with a two-run win.

"It will really help our progress now that our young fellas have experienced a win, on top of so many close games," Roberts explained.

Raiders have scored the least amount of runs (1298) and when skittled for only 117 at home, any hopes of a breakthrough win looked remote.

And even moreso when the Crows moved to 5-101, before capitulating for just 115.

"It's tough when your heart is in the back of your throat, so when you eventually take that final wicket it's a lot of relief and excitement," Roberts added.

It was hoped the club would take another step in its development this season.

Raiders played district level in 2012-13, joining provincial the following year, but winning only two games in collecting six straight wooden spoons.

However, last season Raiders jumped to five wins, including a memorable victory against premiers North Albury.

The club showed its talents by playing out a tie against finals-bound St Patrick's in round 11 but, until edging out the Crows, that was it.

Officials will be hoping that confidence-boosting win can kick-start a surge, although the predominantly young team must be given time to develop.

Meantime, the club which claimed the wooden spoon from Raiders also celebrated its best win.

Missing suspended star batsman Shoaib Shaikh, New City pulled off a seven-run win over finals contenders Albury.

"We played out of our skins, we played with B grade players, we didn't have a full squad, due to the long weekend," jubilant coach Akki Murthy said.

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"The senior players in the group stepped up."

Meanwhile, East Albury's Alexandra Park will host the provincial grand final after COVID caused its cancellation there last year.