The A's took care of business in the lone 20-over-a-side game for competition points with a hard-fought 29-run win over Williamstown at JK Grant Reserve on Saturday.

A's captain John Varchione said the shortened version of the game led to a more level playing field and more "upsets". "There's no margin for error."

The A's came out switched on to post a competitive 132 off their 20 overs, making a run-a-ball start over the first five overs before losing openers Tim Collins (16) and Varchione (10) in quick succession.

Lee Elmore came in at No.4 and sparked the innings with his first 50 of the summer.

The big knock is the best indication that Elmore is back to full fitness after a knee strain bugged him before Christmas.

"That set him back a bit," Varchione said. "He's been hitting the ball well but just hasn't been bowling. Now he's back bowling he'll play a major part and there'll be plenty more runs in him."

The Seagulls' plans were thrown into disarray when star all-rounder Craig Sheedy was trapped lbw in the first over off the tricky bowling of McFarlane.

The visitors stuck to their guns but

fell too far behind the run rate and could not recover with a five-an-over score of 6-103 insufficient. Off spinner Brett Muirhead had a day to remember with his first first XI wicket. It's a big summer for the Muirheads with his brother, James, playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash competition.

The A's, sitting fourth on the first XI ladder, meet third-placed Plenty Valley in a vital one-dayer on the road at AK Line Reserve on Saturday.

Firsts: Altona 132 (Elmore 50) d Williamstown 6-103, Balwyn 6-126 bt Yarraville 7-114.

Seconds: Williamstown 6-81 d Altona 80, Yarraville 4-162 (Thomas 70 no) d Balwyn 4-156.

Thirds: Williamstown 5-143 d Altona 93, Balwyn 7-119 d Yarraville 8-113.

Fourths: Yarraville 3-125 (Galek 50no) d Balwyn 8-120, Altona 5-108 d Williamstown 8-107.