The three-time defending champions will begin their title defence when they travel away to Tumut on Sunday.

Captain David Field is hoping his team’s fortunes will change.

An under strength Yass proved no match for their hosts Temora in the second round of the Country Plate, played in sweltering conditions on Sunday.

Temora, who won the toss and elected to field, reached their required target of 167 with 12 overs in hand and eight wickets up their sleeve. The win sees them advance to the third round of the knockout competition.

After being sent in, the visitors struggled to build momentum. Newcomer Luke Maher top scored with 51, while skipper David Field made 39 and Allan Neill 20 not out.

Temora pinned their opponents down, restricting them to 7/166 from 50 overs and had little trouble peeling off the runs.

Robert Field, 1-39 off ten overs, and Andrew Swaffield, 1-14 off two overs, were the only Yass bowlers to finish with a wicket.