The visitors were justified in their decision to bat first as they put together a stellar 324.

Michael Dowell (2/33) kick-started what would be a huge day as he took a pair of wickets in the opening innings.

The hosts had a bat after lunch but didn’t have a lot to cheer about early on as they were 3/22 after Parker got out for a duck.

Michael Dowell (54) steadied the ship as he hit a handful of boundaries, forming a strong partnership with Mitch Sandry (35).

Mitchell (2/18) took back-to-back wickets for Bathurst, dismissing Dowell and Sandry.

Tim Suttor’s 29 not out knock provided Mudgee with a pulse throughout the afternoon, but the hosts weren't able to do enough to track down the total.

Senior cricket president Rob Dowell felt Bathurst’s experience played a big part in the outcome.

“The experience of the Bathurst line-up proved the difference,” Dowell said.

“Both sides must be praised as temperatures exceeded 40 degrees.”