Rain plays havoc across the region
Western Park took the upper-hand with early wickets in their clash with Buln, but intervening rain ensured a draw is the likely outcome.
Winning the toss and bowling, the Warriors got off to a perfect start under cloudy conditions, removing the out-of-form Jack Armour first ball.
Armour, who clearly missed his usual batting partner Harry Wans, was soon followed to the pavilion by Lachlan Jagoe (1), as Sam Batson (2-7) wreaked havoc.
Patrick Ireland fought hard before a blow to the shoulder saw him retire hurt, before coach Corey Jagoe (0) was removed shortly after one of the many rain breaks. Matt Mitchell (26*) survived an early scare as did Brent Eastwell (13*), both surviving the rest of the day with the Lyrebirds 3-44 off 36 overs.
Yarragon and Neerim fought hard in a day in which both runs and wickets proved hard to come by.
The high-flying Panthers won the toss and bowled first under cloudy skies, the home side taking early control with the wickets of Rhys George (8) and Nathan Bayne (22) in the first hour of play.
Dane Fawcett (28) used his promotion to good effect, stymieing the strong Yarragon attack, as Nuwan Perera (2-51) struck twice to leave the Stags teetering at 4-90.
Despite the tough conditions, Aaron Fawcett (41*) and Kody Wilson (39*) kept their heads above water. The duo were unbeaten for 30 overs as Neerim pushed their way to 4-159 off 67.4 overs, giving themselves a strong platform and momentum as they look to add quick runs early next week.
Division 2:
Despite having only 23 overs at their disposal, Warragul has put themselves in prime position to take the six points in their clash with Longwarry.
Like most this round, they won the toss and bowled, the Gulls striking swiftly as Matt Runnalls (5-33) had his way on a fresh Eastern Park surface.
Yashan Samarasinghe (40) and Justin McCleary (27) were the only two who could muster any sort of resistance to the likes of Runnalls and Tim Whitten (2-27), however their quick runs barely improved the Crows' position, as they fell to 8-85 and a probable defeat.
Division 3:
Western Park has put themselves in a strong position to continue their winning form after a strong session at Buln. Despite a quality innings from usual Division 1 player Paul Bridges-Black (34), the Warriors dominated. Michael Talbot (3-38) returned with a bang, whilst Stephen Briggs (2-22) swung the ball around corners leaving Buln in trouble at 6-61. Jindivick 1/62 v Garfield-Tynong
A slow day of cricket at Jindivick has their match with Garfield-Tynong evenly poised. Batting first, Jindivick reached 1-62 off their 29 overs as they survived difficult conditions. Jason Skobla (1-17) and Craig Cousin (0-7) strangled the Jumping Jacks but were unable to find breakthroughs as both sides look to get a result next week.
Just 46 overs were played as Neerim and Yarragon battled at the Neerim Rec Reserve on the weekend.
Winning the toss and batting, Andy Trewern (36) saw the Panthers off to a strong start, before John Allsop (40*) took over, in an ominous display heading into next week. Cam Law (2-29) took the wickets of both openers as well as a run-out, as Yarragon reached 4-112 at stumps.
Dramatic weather changes caused major disruptions to the weekends cricket action with only two Division 5 matches getting underway. All teams in division four opted to play a onedayer this Saturday.
Warragul had victory in sight before heavy rain washed away any chance of a result in their contest with Jindivick.
Chasing a competitive target, Pardeep Singh (57) and Toby Shelton (34 n.o.) showed plenty of intent, putting on 76 in good time before play was abandoned late in the afternoon.
Earlier in the day the Jumping Jacks top order set a solid foundation before a stunning collapse of 6/20 saw them fall all-out just shy of their complement of overs.
Michael Dixon again led his men from the front, top scoring with 47, while Jake Jeffrey (26) and AJ Unwin (18) provided good support.
Jimmy Atwal bowled a damaging spell to snare 4/10 off five overs with Amrinder Singh and Amandeep Singh chiming in with two wickets apiece.
Catani held the upper hand in their clash with Yarragon before play was brought to a halt.
Chasing a meagre target, the home side recovered well after Michael Stead (2/11) broke through twice with the score still on nought.
Cats skipper Matt Coleman (27 n.o.) appeared unfazed however, as he and Danny Brewster (29 n.o.) carried their side to the cusp of victory. Earlier on, the Panthers struggled from the outset, as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Steve Green (22) was typically resistant while Dave Butterworth top scored with an invaluable 28 not out. Ryan Smith (4/18) was the pick of the bowlers with a tidy eight over spell.