One win was all it took to surpass last year’s luckless season, and it came on Saturday over Hill Top.

With the match moved from Chater Oval to the synthetic surface at Taylor Avenue, the two teams were keen to pick up their first win of 2009/10.

The Tigers captain Michael Pike won the toss and sent Hill Top into bat.

His decision was almost instantly justified as Wingello’s opening bowlers ripped through Hill Top’s top order to have the Kookaburras struggling at 5-44 at drinks.

But Hill Top hit back and were all out for 134, thanks to some good batting from Jimmy Debs.

Debs top-scored for Hill Top with 39, while Jack Whitfield hit 21.

Wingello’s Pike brothers Cameron [3-8] and Grant [2-20] did much of the damage to Hill Top’s top-order, while David Short [3-26] and Damien McMillan [2-16] also chipped in.

Wingello were confident they could chase 135 for victory, but they did it the hard way.

Cameron Pike was out on only the second ball of the innings before Arron Deegan steadied the ship with 31.

Wingello lost four quick wickets before drinks to be 5-65 at the break and halfway to the winning mark.

Batting at number seven, Bob Lewis steered the Tigers to a win in the 44th over with an unbeaten 31. He was supported by Damien McMillan [13 not out] and David Short [17].

Captain Pike said his team was happy to win, and even a bit relieved.

“Last year we were pretty devastated we lost both games against Hill Top,” he said.

“We were pretty keen to knock them off, as they were us.

“We thought we would have chased that [134] easily, but, as usual, we did it the hard way.”

Hill Top captain Simon Reid said his side’s batting was inept.

“Our bowling and fielding is really good, it’s just our batting,” Reid said.