L&D secured a convincing win of The Phantoms thanks to a big knock from Daniel Muir while Narrandera put in a good performance against an under-strength Leeton Soldiers Club in their first game of the season.

Carpheads captain Brent Lawrence said he was happy to get the season off to a winning start after some personnel changes in the offseason.

“We have lost Lachie Jess who is taking a year off while Craig Acton has retired,” he said.

“We still have the base group who have brought the side success over recent years, and we will be bringing through some younger players.

“If we have our full strength side I’m confident we can match it with anyone.”

Seeing the form the Ferrets were in last round, Lawrence understands his side will be in for a tough test.

“They have recruited well luring across a few guys who really strengthen their side,” he said.

“All the boys are really keen to get Muir out their early and work out his weaknesses and going from there.

“Justin Kelly has also had a good start to the season, and with the ball, they have picked up Rhys Wilesmith, and he is probably one of the premier new ball bowlers in the competition.”

The task for the Carpheads won’t be made easier with two key players missing this weekend.

“We will be without Jarrod Lane and vice-captain James Sulivan which will provide a bit of a challenge, but we still have the core side,” he said.

“Rohan (Rehwinkel) led the way with the ball last week, and we will be looking for him to do the same this week.

“When had a couple of good all-round performances from Jono (Doyle) and Jake (Anderson) as well.”

Draw

Saturday: A grade

L&D CC v Narrandera (Mark Taylor Oval), The Phantoms v Yanco CC (Yanco Sportsground)

B grade

LSC Colts v Narrandera (LHS No 1), The Phantoms v L&D CC Blue (YAHS No 3), Yanco CC v L&D CC Yellow (LHS No 2)

C Grade

Yanco CC v The Phantoms (Leeton No 2 Oval)