Batting first on a damp wicket, Parramatta were soon in trouble, slumping to 5-33.

The all-rounders then turned the game with spirited performances which took Parramatta to 217.

First, Sean Abbott scored a composed 35.

This was followed by a partnership of 85 between all-rounders Aaron Govorko and Vilen Sithloo.

Promoted to replace the unavailable Luke Forbes, Govorko made the most of his opportunity.

He posted 71 under extreme pressure in just his second major first grade fixture.

Known as a free-scoring clean ball striker, a professional Govorko watched the ball carefully and played with controlled aggression.

He hit 11 fours, mostly along the ground, in scoring his 71 from 134 balls.

He was well supported by leg-spinning all-rounder Vilen Sithloo, who hit 66 from 129 balls with seven fours.

Sithloo played with great responsibility and was the last man out, trying to push the score along.

Northern District batted for 15 overs before stumps and Parramatta had early success when left-arm swing bowler Anthony Marr struck with the score on zero.

The hosts were 144 at stumps.

Parramatta will need early wickets on the small Waitara Oval this Saturday.

The team is building strongly, with most players 21 or younger.

The story is bleaker in seconds, where Northern District are already 1/106 chasing 175.

Thirds are 1-24 after Northern District recovered from 5-111 to post 225.

Fourths slumped to 5-49 after youngster Scott Copperfield had taken 6-31 as Northern District were dismissed for 230.

Fifths are 4-41 chasing 286.

Meanwhile, former Wenty Leagues and Parramatta junior Alex Graham made his first grade debut for Geelong in Victoria, batting at number three and scoring 22.

Coincidentally, Alex's brother Tom made his debut for Parramatta in fifth grade.