Armidale and District have secured an eight-wicket win in the opening match of their Walter Taylor Shield campaign.
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The hosts took on Ballina first up in a Twenty20 fixture and got things going in their favour early when Ryan Harris took the wickets of Ballina's opening two batsmen.
Tight bowling from Armidale's bowlers kept Ballina's run rate low as they restricted them to 5-82, a sliding Brodi Campbell in a boggy patch in the field, a highlight of the match .
Brock Parsons snared one wicket while Monty Schmude took two.
Armidale's run chase was dealt an early blow with Mitch Duddy caught on three.
Ben Heagney came to the crease and settled the innings.
Jack Hedges was eventually caught on 13 but Heagney didn't want to slow down, batting for 43 not out.
He was joined at the crease by Armidale skipper James Phelps who contributed 20 from 18 balls as they chased down the required runs in 17.4 overs.
Coach Mitch Woods said it was "alright" for a first up win.
"Bowled well to restrict them and Brodi provided the entertainment, having fun in the mud," he said.
"Ran well between the wickets, better than last year which wasn't that good."
In the other matches, Tamworth defeated Queensland Bears and Northern Rivers beat West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook.