Warren Clunes delivered a thrilling climax to their first match of the Regional Bash on Sunday by launching a six from the second last ball of the day to down the Border Bullets by four wickets.

However there was to be no repeat as the Wagga side struggled to make inroads against the ACT Aces.

Ethan Bartlett (22) was the only batsmen in the top eight to reach double figures before a late rally from Max Harper (23) Sam Perry (19) saw Wagga post 97.

They had the Aces in some trouble at 4-37 before former Wagga RSL batsmen Josh Staines (38) and Tyler Van Luin (28 not out) combined for a crucial 46-run partnership to help the Aces to a five-wicket victory with four balls to spare.

Captain Josh Thompson was disappointed they couldn't back up a first strong effort with the bat.

"We probably used all our good luck in that first innings," Thompson said.

"It was a good day, and I think the boys really enjoyed it, but it is disappointing to lose that last game. We just didn't have enough runs."

It only made things worse that Staines was in the middle to end their chances.

"It hurts to get done by one of your home kids but he is a great cricketer and it's a good day for him," Thompson said.

After Border Bandits finished their 20 overs at 7-143, Wagga got off to a brilliant start with Thompson (30) and Bartlett (22) firing at the top of the innings.

However the chase stalled and it looked like their closest rivals would come out on top before Clunes started to find the boundary.

Making the most of being dropped by Dave Farrell on 14, Clunes (32 not out) and Ethan Perry (seven not out) found the 30 runs the Sloggers needed off the last three overs to take a four-wicket win.

Thompson was impressed with Clunes.

"It was a great finish to the first game," he said. "We started really positive and to finish like that was an absolute nail biter.

"It was good to come away with one win like that."

ACT Aces now progress to the next stage of the Regional Bash at the SCG.

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