St Michaels brought up its first win of the season with a nine-run win over South Wagga at McPherson Oval on Saturday.
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Last year’s grand finalists have struggled to get its season under way, losing each of the first three rounds, but became the first team to get to better of the Blues.
Batting first, the Saints finished their 40 overs at 5-167.
It proved to be enough as the Blues ran out of time to bring up a fourth straight victory, finishing seven down.
South Wagga came through challenges against Wagga RSL, Kooringal Colts and Wagga City, but not even an unbeaten 79 from captain Joel Robinson could see them remain undefeated.
Saints captain-coach Ryan Forsyth was thrilled his team was able to get their first win on the board.
“It was a good win and it is good to get a win on the board,” Forsyth said.
“We had to at some point, otherwise slowly but surely would have taken ourselves out of finals contention.
“It was really posititve that we had an even spread of contributors and that it was against South Wagga, being undefeated and a side we really rate this year.”
Jordan Lawrence (45), James Elliott (41 not out) and Ryan Forsyth (36) led the way for the Saints batsmen.
Grant Forrest removed the in-form Kuldeep Pegu (2) early, but the Saints were able to regroup.
Forsyth thought the team batted well in the conditions.
“Particularly as the day went on it became harder to bat on,” he said.
“I actually think South Wagga did a reasonable job, particularly at the end there when it was a bit tough, to get as close as what they did.
“I would of liked a few more, and I think we built a platform to get a few more, but it wasn’t to be and we bowled really well.”
Forsyth was the most damaging on the St Michaels’ bowlers, finishing with 3-23 off his eight overs.
He picked up Seb Graf (6) and Brayden Ambler (0) early to get his team off to the perfect start.
Forsyth opened the bowling alongside Dave Garness, who continued his strong start of to the season.
After moving back to the club this season, Garness has been one of the more consistent performers.
He picked up two early wickets, to have have the Blues at 4-29 before Forrest (23) and Robinson put on 66 for the sixth wicket to give their team a glimmer of hope.
Forsyth is hoping the win can kick start the season.
They have one more one-dayer, against winless Wagga RSL, before the two-day action begins.
Forsyth is hoping the team can take advantage of the longer format, with more points on offer.
