The Bulls made a modest 4-121 from their 20 overs before restricting Wagga RSL to 4-114 in the closest match of Wagga Cricket’s opening round.

Lake Albert captain Kurt Robertson believes the match was always in his team’s keeping.

“We were happy to get a win and start off on a positive note,” Robertson said.

“We won a little bit ugly in the end I guess but you take a win every day of the week.

“There were some pretty good signs there and there was some early season rust there as well in the field and we bowled a few wides as well.

“It probably got a little bit closer than it should have but I thought we were in control for the game.

“There was just a little bit of rust there, we dropped a couple of catches but that’s a little bit to be expected at the start of the year.

“With a little bit more daylight at training now, we’ll be able to work on that a bit more.”

It was an even team performance from the Bulls to start the year.

Lake Albert’s new-look opening batting pair Adam Newcombe (23) and Josh Coyte (36) got them off to a strong start with a partnership of 49.

Further contributions from Alex Smeeth (26) and Jesse Hampton (15 not out) helped the Bulls reach 4-121.

Tim Cameron was the pick of the Wagga RSL bowlers with 2-23 from four overs.

Robertson was happy with the Bulls’ total.

“When you look at the previous game in the twos, our guys only got 80 and it was just enough,” he said.

“The pitch was a little bit two paced so it was going to be a tough pitch to chase on.

“We set ourselves a realistic goal to make 120 then we were going to back our bowlers to defend that. So we said let’s do what we’ve got to do to get to 120 and if we get more it’s a bonus.

“To be fair, we were 40 odd off five overs so we got off to a really good start but it was easier to score with the newer, harder ball.

“We thought if we could get a couple of early breakthroughs with 120 on the board, that we would be right to defend that.”

Wagga RSL got close in the run chase but fell seven runs short.

Bulldogs coach Neil Morton (21) got his team off to a strong start, while they looked most threatening when Todd Henderson (30 not out) and Tim Cameron (22) were at the crease.

Sam Smith was the pick of the bowlers for Lake Albert with 2-29 from four overs, while new recruit Lachie Skelly also impressed.

Lake Albert opened with Skelly’s off-spinners and he finished with 1-23 from four overs.

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