The Cats were sent in to bat by the Bulldogs and were dismissed for 144 in the 38^th over, with opener Thompson (52) the only shining light.

Five other batsmen made double figures but couldn't go on with the job due to some poor shot choices and disciplined bowling from the Wagga RSL attack.

New Zealand recruit Rikki Bovey began life as a Bulldog strongly by taking 3-10 off six overs with his left-arm spinners, while skipper Sam Perry took 4-40.

Lightning around McPherson Oval reduced the overs for Wagga RSL's run chase, and the Bulldogs were made to pay for losing early wickets.

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When weather stopped play at 4-57, they required 40 runs off 27 balls to win, but were dismissed for 83.

Cats newcomer Tim Kross was outstanding with the new ball with 3-8 off six overs, while Thompson capped a strong all-round game with 3-25.

"The early wickets were important for us when the rain came. Tim (Kross) isn't overly quick, he just niggles away at a good length," Thompson said.

"I also thought young Luke Naumann was good in his debut first grade game (1-13 off four overs).

"(But) it was a disappointing effort with the bat. There was some senior guys in the middle order who know what they did wrong, but Wagga RSL also bowled really well through the middle overs.

"We don't want to make a habit with that, especially coming into a game against South Wagga."

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