Wagga City fires out of the blocks

Harper smashed an unbeaten 78 to help the Cats start their Twenty20 campaign with a win over South Wagga at Robertson Oval on Saturday.

He then backed it up on Saturday with an unbeaten 36 as Wagga City cruised past St Michaels.

Wagga City captain-coach Josh Thompson couldn't have been more impressed with Harper's efforts after three years out of the game.

"Jack Harper's effort was one of the best T20 efforts I've seen," Thompson said.

"We're delighted with the inclusion of him.

"He wanted to come back to play with his brother and help his old man on the farm but I can't believe that is how well he batted after not playing for three years."

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Harper and Jon Nicoll put together a 130-run stand to have South Wagga under plenty of pressure.

Nicoll finished unbeaten on 53 as Wagga City finished at 2-167.

If the big total wasn't enough, Luke Naumann then fired with the ball, striking twice in his first over.

He picked up a third two overs later to have the Blues at 3-17.

Thompson believes Naumann has really stepped up after being given an opportunity with the new ball.

"Lukey has come leaps and bounds," he said.

"With unavailability we gave him the opportunity to open the bowling in the last couple of weeks leading into the T20s and the first couple overs he bowled were just spot on.

"He had the ball hooping off the deck and I'm really happy for him."

South Wagga did respond with some middle order hitting from Blake Harper (31) and Noah Harper (29 not out) to fall 14 runs short but victory was never really in reach.

Wagga City then tore through the St Michaels line up at McPherson Oval on Saturday.

Saints could only manage 9-86 from their 20 overs and Cats went past their total in the 13^th over.

Thompson is pleased with how they've started their campaign but have to wait until Thursday for their next clash against Kooringal Colts.