Two-time defending champions Macquarie Valley suffered a six-wicket loss to one of the other favourites, Orange.

Mitch Ashford, a player who also got a taste of senior cricket in Dubbo last season, led the way for Macquarie Valley after they batted first and top-scored with 46.

Macquarie Valley made 9-126 from their 40 overs against Orange with Jake Setree (25) also contributing but it wasn't enough.

Orange, highly touted before the beginning of the tournament, passed Macquarie's score for the loss of just four wickets.

Things weren't much better for Dubbo Blue as they went down to Mudgee.

Mudgee won the toss and batted and the Dubbo Blue bowlers produced a committed all-round effort, with not one bowler taking more than two wickets, as they restricted the visitors to 136.

But that proved too much and Dubbo Blue were bowled out despite having plenty of overs remaining.

But while too local sides faltered, Dubbo Red triumphed in a thriller over Bathurst Green.

Red, an under-13s development team much like Dubbo Blue, won courtesy of a solid all-round team effort.

The local boys posted 6-142 with Nate Ambler (32 not out) top scoring while Lawson Shepherd (23) and Darcy Chewings (23) also contributed.

It came down to the final over in the run chase and while Bathurst Green looked like they had it, Dubbo Red won by just three runs.

While that game was hugely entertaining and the other day one matches had impressive performances there was no doubt Bathurst Gold were the standouts.

The Bathurst side posted 5-193 from their 40 overs against the Lachlan Valley Lions with Bailey Bryant leading the way with 77.

Ethan Cusack (53) was also in the runs.

Bathurst then went into the field and easily knocked Lachlan over for just 38, laying down a marker for the rest of the tournament.

Ben Mitchell was the star with the ball, incredibly taking 3-0 from five overs.

Play continues on Wednesday and Thursday.