Fortunately for most games, enough overs were able to be bowled to force a result.

In A Grade, Jung Tigers total of 176 proved too many for Homers who were dismissed for just 92 in the 27th over.

The match was shortened to 45 overs because of some light rain.

After losing opener Brett Jensz on the first ball of the match, Tigers batters Chris Hauselberger (31 runs) and new signing Grant Connelly (38 runs) knuckled down for a handy 72 run partnership which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

With ball in hand for Homers, Adam Atwood and Chaminda Gamage did most of the damage, snaring three wickets each at an economical rate.

In reply Homers' Luke Deutscher (29 runs) was the only batter to surpass 20 and when he fell at 8/90, there was too much left to do.

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Jung captain Angus Adams starred taking 4/11, while David Puls chimed in with three of his own wickets.

Unfortunately, that was the only A Grade match to be completed as the clash between West Wimmera and Rup/Minyip was abandoned due to rain.

The game which was being live-streamed via Frogbox, was evenly poised at the time, with West Wimmera sitting at 2/52 from 14.3 overs in reply to Rup/Minyip's 138.

Rup/Minyip opener Jake Leith top-scored for his team with 42 runs, while West Wimmera brothers Nathan and Bradley Alexander had the near-identical figures of 4/21 and 4/20.

All the remaining games across the other grades were able to force a result.

In their B Grade win over Lubeck/Murtoa, Colts' Drew Carmody finished with the incredible figures of 5/3 off four overs, which included a hattrick.

Carmody took the first five wickets of the match and had the opposition reeling at 5/13.

Horsham Saints Black bowler Lulu Kuriakose also took five wickets against Blackheath/Dimboola in their C Grade match.

Colts B Grade batters Josh Colbert (82 runs) and Bradley Couch (63 runs) were the only players to reach fifty in the senior grades while in the juniors Rup/Minyip Under 16.5s Will Gellatly (55*) and Connor Weidemann (50*) both raised their bats.

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Speaking to the Wimmera Mail-Times on Monday HCA president Josh Mahoney was pleased with the competition's return.

"Everyone was happy to be back out there playing," Mahoney said.

"It'll be an even competition this year I think.

"There's going to be a lot of development in all grades this year. The age demographic has dropped down a bit. There's a lot of kids coming through which is a good sign."

Next week will see reigning A Grade champions Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants kick off their campaign against Rup/Minyip at Minyip.

Jung will be aiming to make it two-from-two when they take on West Wimmera, while Homers have the bye.

The A Grade game to be live-streamed via Frogbox will be Jung versus West Wimmera.

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