RSL took on Atlas Copco/Golfy 2 on the turf wicket at Ward Oval and were making the first defence of the Bert Oldfield Challenge Cup which they took off Nymagee in their last match.

Captain Glenn Spinks after winning the toss made the kind gesture of sending in a very depleted Atlas Copco team which could only put nine players on the paddock.

Atlas Copco was missing key top order and in-form batsmen Jake Harbison, Bill Behsman and Damien Harbison and this showed as the top order capitulated to be five wickets down for only 12 runs before a partnership of 39 between Ray Ebsworth, who top scored with 21, and Bryan Maims 17 tried to resurrect the position.

However, when they were dismissed and the tail soon followed suit and Atlas Copco/Golfy 2 were all out for 60.

Shane Munro had the best bowling figures for RSL with three for 11, however, was supported by Wade Potter with two for 11, Glenn Spinks two for 11 and Geoff Potter one for 13.

RSL made short work of chasing down the total losing three wickets for 61 and taking only 9.3 overs to cruise to victory.

Peter Neale top scored with 30 and Clay Neale made 20.

Wicket-takers for Atlas Copco/Golfy 2 were Justin Richardson with two for 19 and Robbie Mitchell with one for 2.

RSL have turned around a poor start to the season in which they lost all their games in the first round by winning all their matches in the second round.

In the other match on the synthetic wicket at No. 2 Oval, Ox Colts were up against Golf Club who also could only put 10 players on the paddock.

Ox Colts captain Stewart Fraser, reversing their normal trend of

batting first when winning the

toss, also sent Golf Club in to bat first.

After losing captain Damien Wray for a duck on the second ball of the match, Golf Club continued to lose regular wickets and were dismissed for a total of 72.

John Hausia, who top scored with 21, and Rohan Lloyd with 15, were the only batsmen to make double figures.