By Mitch Rodd

REIGNING Sunraysia Cricket premiers Irymple started their calendar year with an important win over Mildura East in a top two clash as action returned after the festive break.

The round 9, 53-run win, flipping the result from round 8 before Christmas, allows the Swallows to stay on top in a congested top four.

While it was a top two clash, East's loss sees them drop to fourth in an...