Grant Piccoli pitched seven innings and Alex Johnson hit three doubles.

But Saturday's 6-4 return loss was not good enough if the defending premiers want to retain their title.

Ryde took the lead in the bottom of the third innings with three runs and added another in the fourth.

Workers hit back with two runs in the fifth and then two more as Alex Johnson hit another two doubles, but it was too late, as Ryde scored late.

It's early days but the Workers are yet to find the consistency that won last season's title.

Meanwhile, seconds won 8-4 and thirds 8-2 while under-18s lost 7-6 which means Workers maintain their healthy position in the club championship. They host Canterbury at Laybutt Reserve in this weekend's round.