Defending premiers Mittagong have sounded a warning to their rivals with an emphatic victory over premiership favourites Moss Vale at Eridge Park on Saturday.

The win should act as a much needed morale booster for Mittagong who have had a mixed start to the season and according to captain Greg Duffy, the policy of blooding young players is starting to reap dividends.

“It’s important to get a win like that and we’re just starting to get a solid team together,” he said.

“We’re not getting too carried away with the win though but the bowling and fielding efforts were good signs.”

After batting first and being bowled over for a modest 108, Mittagong looked to be in deep trouble with the in form Moss Vale outfit expected to cruise to victory on the even synthetic surface.

“I must admit I thought we were about 100 runs short,” Duffy said.

Spearheaded by exciting speedster Scott Shepherd who took a brilliant 5/19, Moss Vale were set for an easy win but a total collapse by the normally reliable top order ensued.

some tight bowling coupled with inspirational fielding saw the defending premiers claw their way back into the match to the extent that the top eight Moss Vale batsmen could manage no better than a top score of 11 runs.

The duet of Farrance and Fernance ripped through the Moss Vale lineup taking 5/12 and 3/16 respectively and if not for some slight resistance from Scott McKie who made 30 no, the scoreboard could have been even more embarassing.

In the end, Moss Vale were dismissed for a mediocre 75 and will have to overcome some lacklustre batting performances to remain a force this season.

At Bradman Oval, an understrength Bowral side easily accounted for an out of sorts Wingello reaching the required total of 96 for the loss of just two wickets.

On a pitch condusive to spinners, Scott Manley and Shaun Lendrum decimated the Wingello line up taking eight wickets between them as Lendrum starred with 5/22.

The clash set down between Exeter and the Blues was declared a washout despite being transferred to the synthetic pitch of Stephens Park.

With both Bowral and Mittagong starting to hit their straps, this seasons first grade cricket looks set to be a cracker with four sides boastring realiostic chances of claiming the title.