The spin attack of the Bendigo-based side, playing in the competition for the first time, decimated Hurley’s Hotel’s middle order and restricted the reigning title-holder to 9-122.
After an opening stand of 39, Hounds hit back with the ball to have the Spitfires reeling at 7-78.
But an unbeaten 42 by Kayle Thompson supported by skipper Liam Smith got Spitfires home with five balls to spare.
Smith and his co-spinners had earlier set up the Spitfires win, slicing through the Hounds’ middle order and supported by some poor shot making choices by the Hounds batters.
Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller was an exception, showing his class with 33 at first drop with three fours and a six .
But Echuca’s Kobyn James with a top score of 35 off 30 balls was the only other Hounds bat to look comfortable against the Spitfires’ spin attack.
Legendary Kyabram Fire Brigade batter Paul Newman looked to be in good touch opening the Hounds’ innings, but fell to brilliant behind the wicket catch for 11.
Moama pace bowler Anthony McMahon and Carlton spinner and former Tatura player Michael Archer were Hounds’ most successful and economical bowlers with two wickets each.
Organisers were pleased with the crowd numbers, the wicket and general presentation of the day by Rochester Cricket Club.
Key organiser and former Cricket Shepparton long-serving president David D’Elia promised the competition would be even bigger and even better next season.
THE SCORE
Hurley’s Hotel Hounds 9-122 (Kobyn James 35, Kyle Muller 33, Liam Smith 2-11, James Seymour 2-18) lost to Sporties Spitfires 7-126 (Kayle Thompson 42no, Zane Keighran 27, Anthony McMahon 2-13, Michael Archer 2-17).
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