The openers, playing together for the first time following Spencer's move from Belvoir, put on 61 inside six overs as Albury went hard at their target of 131.

Spencer marked his debut with 27 off 17 balls, including three sixes, while Popko picked up where he left off last season by clubbing four maximums on his way to 37 off just 20 balls.

A new-look Albury, featuring just four members of the team which contested last season's preliminary final, eventually won by seven wickets to the delight of captain Ross Dixon.

"In the first innings, Raiders were quality but it was great to see 'Poppers' and Spencer be so aggressive up top," he said.

"That power play, as a batting unit, probably won us the game.

"Sixty off five or so overs certainly helps and hopefully we can take that formula into the future games.

"We've got nine home games at Billson so hopefully that's a way for us to play going forward."

Raiders won the toss and elected to bat first but were soon in trouble at 2-15.

Returning Albury bowler Aaron Hoskin led from the front, picking up 4-19, although Raiders dug in and began to rebuild, with Alistair Burge racing to 21 from just 10 deliveries.

Kane Scott hung around for a useful 32 and captain Greg Roberts added 20 before both were dismissed by the spin of Kade Brown (2-18).

The form of Popko and Spencer suggested an early finish was on the cards but when both were caught trying to clear the rope, the rate slowed.

Sri Lankan quick Dhanuska Chanaka Ranaweera was impressive on debut for Raiders, his four overs going for just 14 runs, but the visitors had too much ground to make up.

Dominic Stockdale (17) steadied the Albury ship before Nat Sariman (16 not out) and Brown (27 not out), who finished the game with a majestic six, got the job done.

"We batted pretty solidly but lacked a little bit of firepower compared to the Albury boys," Raiders coach Stewart Pearce said.

"But we did a lot things right and there's a lot of encouraging signs.

"We had some good contributions with the bat, all the way through, but just not enough in the end.

"Chanaka's come up from Melbourne, he played sub-district cricket at Moorabbin, he's up here doing a bit of work and we're rapt to have him.

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"He's played a good level of cricket and we knew he could swing the new ball.

"Albury are a very good side and it gives us something to aspire to."

Raiders are away to Corowa on Sunday while Albury host Belvoir.

The first 11 rounds of the season are being played as T20 matches.

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