The Lakers won the toss and batted first at Katandra Recreation Reserve, but will feel the 185 they posted left the door open for the home side to secure victory on day two.
After never being listed higher than number 10 in his short Haisman Shield career, James Auld was sent in to do a job as an opener for the visitors and resisted the Katandra bowling attack for 100 deliveries in a two-hour stay at the crease.
His knock was only worth 17 runs, but showed exactly the application needed to succeed against the Eagles.
Fellow opener Matt Martin (35 from 89) also knuckled down, but a mini-collapse of 3-4 - including both Mark and Luke Nolan - put the Lakers on the back foot at 5-81.
Brayden Biggs (29), Josh Sanderson (40 from 80) and the rest of the lower order ground their way to starts though, allowing Nagambie to put together a defendable score.
Katandra captain Jedd Wright was at his supreme best with ball in hand, snaring 6-64 from almost 22 overs.
That Wright also claimed a run-out served to showcase his all-round abilities on a cricket pitch once more.
Andrew Riordan also found solid rewards at the bowling crease - taking 2-23 from his 13 overs - while Corey Hickford sent down nine maidens among his 16 overs and finished with 1-20.
STATE OF PLAY
Nagambie 185 (Josh Sanderson 40, Matt Martin 35, Brayden Biggs 29, Jedd Wright 6-64, Andrew Riordan 2-23) v Katandra.
STAR PLAYER
Jedd Wright (Katandra): A six-wicket haul and a run-out to go with it? All in a day's work for Katandra skipper Wright, who once again spun a web to put his side in a strong position. Finished with figures of 6-64 from almost 22 overs.
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