Drouin forced to chase leather

‘stickiness’ of the day aiding his efforts with the new-ball – and he claimed the first four wickets to fall as the Kangaroos slumped to 4-29.

The situation was made even worse when Sam Whibley lost his stumps to Sean Masterson for just 10 – but Vela and Brett Williams set about rescuing the Halloran innings.

With Williams playing the anchor role and grinding his way to 56, Vela launched a more aggressive counter-attack, belting 13 fours and a six in a comprehensive batting performance. Together they helped Hallora post 196, leaving Ellinbank with two overs to face out; the Eagles safely making their way to 0-6 at stumps.

Panthers pounce

Yarragon (5-234) vs. Longwarry: In a gritty encounter in division one, Yarragon have posted a promising first innings total against Longwarry – and in a pleasing turn of events for the Panthers it wasn’t Gamini Kumara who was left to do the bulk of the run-scoring.

Having elected to bat following a slightly delayed start, Yarragon lost Ishan Ratnayake early on – the all-rounder again failing to overcome a batting slump - but the Panthers fought back through a quartet of handy middle order performances.

Kumara patiently waited for the ‘bad ball’ to come and struck nine boundaries in an otherwise watchful knock of 52 and he found able support from Jake Borsato (a maiden division one half-century), Zaron Smith (49) and Laytten Smith (an unbeaten 23 towards the end of the innings).

Together they helped Yarragon make their way to 5-234 at stumps, a total that could prove to be a tricky chase for the Crows next weekend – with the Panthers no doubt aching for a final home-and-away victory before their bye in the final round of the season.