Runs on the board in division two
Runs on the board may prove paramount in division two, although chasing teams will give themselves every chance heading into the second day of play.
Ellinabnk, Iona, Longwarry and Western Park each managed moderate totals with Warragul, Garfield-Tynong, Hallora and Drouin aiming to chase them down.
Hawks on the way
Western Park 132 v Drouin 0/36 Drouin are well advanced in their bid for victory over Western Park, requiring under 100 runs with all 10 wickets in tact.
Only a rescue mission from Adam Feltham, who hit nine fours on his way to an unbeaten 54. helped the Warriots post a competitive total as the Hawks took wickets at regular intervals.
While Dylan Serong was on the more expensive side compared to his teammates, conceding 52 runs from almost 13 overs, he proved effective to pick up three wickets.
Opening bowler Charlie Wans also applied the pressure, bowling 10 maidens in his haul of 2/10 from 14 overs.\
Jonathan Bell raced to an unbeaten 23 in reply with support from Bailey Osseweyer (nine not out) to make significant inroads to the required target.
Half century helps Eagles
Ellinbank 148 v Warragul 0/12 A half century to Michael Pandolfo has helped Ellinbank post 148 against Warragul.
Pandolfo hit eight fours and a six on his way to 75 to help Ellinbank recover after losing early wickets.
Each Warragul bowler did their bit in restricting the run rate, led by Jarred Carroll with 4/27 from 16 overs.
Brian Christensen made a positve start in reply, making his way to an unbeaten 11 at the close of play.
Wade powers Iona
Iona 172 v Garfield-Tynong Iona have set Garfield-Tynong a challenging target on the back of an unbeaten 87 to Wade Haysom.
Having formed an important part of Catani’s football side in recent seasons, Haysom also proved his worth with willow in hand.
With the Swamp Tigers falling to the precarious position of 3/23, Haysom combined with Michael Taylor (41) in an important 71-run stand to get the Iona innings back on track.
Haysom then shepherded the tail nicely, helping the Swamp Tigers to 172.
APK Rangajith proved difficult to get away, finishing with 3/16 from his 17 overs in an effort that included nine maidens.
Pete Davidson, Brayden Ridler and AKV Tyrone were also multiple wicket takers to help restrict the Swamp Tigers.
Match in balance
Longwarry 142 d Hallora 1/10 The match between Longwarry and Hallora hangs in the balance, with Hallora 1/10 in reply to Longwarry’s 142.
Dom Pullen (38) and Cole Cook (30) powered the Crows’ innings from the middle order as other batsmen struggled to get going.
Jai Serong (4/24), Thomas Kent (3/23), Alex Henshall (2/18) and Brian McDonald (1/10 from eight overs) ensured the Kangaroos would continue to apply pressure.
With eight overs left to play out, Zac Wright picked up an early wicket to apply some early pressure on Hallora, who will resume at 1/10.