A swashbuckling 77 from former first grader Paul Jones lifted Mittagong to its first win of the season in Saturday's third grade clash with Moss Vale Rovers at Welby.

Jones and Talbot put on a brilliant century stand for the third wicket before their side was bowled out for 164.

In reply, the Rovers could manage only 107.

Mittagong acting skipper Rod Callaghan claimed the victory would provide a real mental boost for his young side.

"This is a great confidence booster because we're trying to blood these young players into grade cricket," he said.

"Our bowling and fielding was the real difference this week and I knew 164 would be a competitive total."

After winning the toss and batting, Mittagong lost openers Downie (4) and B Callaghan (6) cheaply before Jones and Talbot strode to the crease, smashing a quickfire 101 partnership before Talbot was cleaned up by Cam McPhail.

This sparked a massive Mittagong collapse with Paul Cornwall (18) the only other batsman to crack double figures.

Best bowlers for the Rovers were McPhail 3/33, Chadwick 2/27 and captain Rod Acton 3/23.

"We were pretty confident we could chase 164 at the start but it just didn't work out," Acton said.

The Rovers made a disastrous start to the run chase losing their first three wickets for less than ten runs.

Ward (17) and McPhail (34) steadied the ship a bit for the visitors but could only look on as the bottom order slumped to all out for 107.

Best bowlers for Mittagong were Talbot 2/19, Cornwell 2/24 and Rod Callaghan 2/19.

But that trio was outdone by veteran Ike Stalling who tormented the Mossy batsman in a brilliant spell, eventually claiming 2/9 from his seven overs.

Mittagong is fielding just one senior side in the 2002/03 Highlands Cricket comp after having a full complement last year.

"It is important for this side to do well and we'd love to get a first and second grade side back into the comp," Callaghan said.