The Eagles have joined the competition this year, becoming the first club outside of Orange and Millthorpe to join the ODFA, and claimed a 2-0 win over the 2017 premiers at Cowra High School on Saturday. 

Coach Chris Baratto said he had no idea what to expect - either from his squad or from the Millthorpe Tigers, who have routinely challenged the top of the table in recent years. 

However, his song Emerson put the side 1-0 up in the first half of a "see-sawing" affair, where Cowra held most of the play through the midfield but shots flew at goals at both ends.

The Eagles were only able to extend their lead in the final minutes of the game when Shaun Mortyne found his way to the back of the net to sink any hopes of a Millthorpe comeback. 

Baratto said he was chuffed at his side's ability to nab the win considering they were scrambling for numbers late last year and are in a self-confessed "rebuild", but also applauded the Tigers' players.

"The game was played in good spirits," he said. 

The Eagles jumped across to the ODFA from the Bathurst competition this year, with playing times and travel the two major factors.

The club had struggled for numbers on Sunday afternoons, which is when Bathurst games are normally played, but especially so when playing away in Mudgee or Lithgow. 

ODFA president Tony Mileto said regional conquest hadn't been on the cards, with the association not actively looking to move outside Orange, but were more than happy to have Cowra onboard.

Mileto said it was a ringing endorsement for the competition to have clubs outside their catchment area come to the ODFA to take part in their competition. 

In other games, Barnstoneworth Saints and Barnstoneworth FC clashed, with the latter winning 3-0. 

Barnstoneworth United defeated Ex-Services FC 31 and Waratah United and Waratah FC's derby was deferred to a later date.

Meanwhile in B-grade, Cowra Eagles claimed a win as Ex-Services FC Bobcasts were unable to form a side to travel to Cowra High School. 

Kinross Wolaroi School and Saints All Stars drew 1-1, while CYMS Green defeated Waratah Wolfpack 5-0. 

Barnstoneworth's two sides enjoyed strong wins, with the Rangers winning 6-2 over Saints Ignite and United claiming a 4-1 victory over Ex-Services FC Bengals.