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RIVERINA'S chances of progressing to the final of the NSW Country Championships are all but gone courtesy of a disastrous opening day loss at Griffith's Exies Oval on Friday.
Riverina was put to the sword by Western Zone as they picked up double bonus points with a comprehensive six-wicket win.
Riverina won the toss and batted but collapsed to be all out for 101.
Western Zone passed the score with the loss of four wickets in just the 22nd over.
It was enough for Western Zone to secure double bonus points and put itself in a commanding position after the opening match of the three-day championships.
Riverina captain Joel Robinson conceded it was the worst possible start to the championships.
"There was some pretty bad shot selection and we were probably not switched on," Robinson said.
"A fair few blokes threw their wicket away, we played some pretty rash shots.
"It was dumb cricket really."
North Albury batsman Ashley Borella top scored for Riverina with 31.
Brad Todd was closely behind with 30.
Wagga's Kurt Robertson picked up two wickets, as did vice captain James McNeil.
Robinson was happy enough with Riverina's effort with the ball.
"We bowled well, we did everything right there," he said.
"We took a couple of good catches."
Robinson insisted Riverina will continue to work hard at the next two days of the championships.
"We've got to make sure we go out there and apply ourself with the bat," he said.
"Whether we bat first or bowl first, we've got to make sure we're in the game.
"We were bowled out in 36 overs (yesterday), that's definitely not good enough.
"We've got to make sure we bat the overs out."