Ferntree Gully, captained by Trent Scholfield, lost the toss and was sent into the field by Portland at Bendigo's showpiece Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It was a move which soon proved disastrous, with Johnson Park import Usman Arif removing two Portland batsmen - one with the first ball of the game - before it had reached 20.

From that point, Portland struggled to build a substantial partnership as the Ferntree Gully bowlers got among the wickets bowling Portland out for 167.

Arif (2-37), Scott McKenzie (2-26) and Aaron Walter (2-47) each picked up two wickets for Ferntree Gully, which then compiled 6-238 in reply.

Opening batsman Wayne McInerney top-scored with 71 and contributed to an opening stand of 77 with Jayden Bradbury who put together 24.

Teenager Robbie McComb (29 not out) and Aaron Walter (29) were the next best contributors. McComb's twin brother Luke is also part of the country week side.

Veteran Shane Richardson made a cameo appearance with the bat at the end of the innings with 21 off nine balls.

Ferntree Gully faced Campaspe yesterday and face Shepparton today (Wednesday) and Castlemaine tomorrow. The competition grand final is scheduled for Friday.

Team manager Craig Wilkinson said the match proved a perfect start for his side - "if you can win the first game, it sets you up for the whole week".

Wilkinson also praised his side's fielding as they created two run-outs through good fielding.

The win became even more important as opponents Campaspe and Castlemaine tied their opening day game.

- with the Bendigo Advertiser