Wright, Pullen dominate day
Iona 82 v Longwarry 2/110
Longwarry has demolished Iona to set up a chance of an outright next week.
Losing the toss and bowling, Graeme Rankin (21) frustrated the Crows early on as the Swamp Tigers reached 0-30, however Longwarry fought back as Zac Wright (5-30) and Dom Pullen (4-27) had their way with the Iona batsmen.
The off-spinning Wright exposed the brittle Iona middle-order, whilst Pullen used his pace to good effect as the home side lost 9-29, only a last-wicket stand of 23 was able to push them to 82. Two early wickets in their bowling innings had Iona excited as they finally found some momentum, however this was shortlived, as Yashan Samarasinghe (78*) showed why he is one of the best of the best in the WDCA with a spell-binding knock, whilst Pullen (27*) supported from the other end as Longwarry blasted their way to 2-110, setting up the chance at 10 points.
Western Park 9/146 v Catani
Momentum ebbed and flowed at Catani on the weekend, as two premiership contenders battled to take control of the arm-wrestle that ensued.
Winning the toss and batting on a slow outfield, Western Park found early, albeit slow, success with the bat, as Adam Feltham (34) and Dale Fawcett (32) continued their outstanding form. Mitch Gregson (5-46) was far too good for the young Warrior middle-order once the aforementioned pair were removed, as the fast bowler created a collapse of 7-38 to ensure the Warriors crumbled to 9-113.
Josh Miller (2-31) worked tirelessly at the other end to set up the match for the Blues, as they appeared to take all the ascendancy into next week, however, a brilliant 33-run last wicket stand from Oscar Sheehan (20*) and Jason Batson (18*) saw Western Park bat out the day, giving them a defendable total of 146 heading into next week.
Drouin 118 v Garfield-Tynong 0/6
A slow day of cricket at Tynong has seen the home side take charge after a disappointing performance last week.
Winning the toss and bowling, the Titans rued their decision early, as John Perry (33) and Nick Harper (20) grinded their way into a strong position with a terrific opening partnership. After their dismissals though, Drouin crumbled and with no more meaningful contributions, the Titans were able to strangle their opponents into submission.
Brayden Ridler (4-2) was the chief architect of destruction with a vicious spell to knock over the late order, whilst AK Tyrone (3-24) and Sean Somers (2-36) did their jobs to remove the Hawks for 118.
In reply, Garfield-Tynong ended the day unscathed at 0-6, to set up their chances for six points next week.
Hallora 9/199 v Jindivick
Hallora used a late-order assault to put themselves in pole position against fellow winless side Jindivick.
Winning the toss and batting, none of the top-order was able to provide innings of use as a plethora of Jindivick bowlers made their mark. Eddie McGillivray (2-14), Brenton Johnson (2-16), Matt Brewer (2-40) and Jack Braddick (2-47) all took key wickets as Hallora slipped into the mire at 6-90 as the first half of the day came to close.
Needing a spark from the tail, Alex Henshall (48) and Lachie Pratt (41) obliged, the pair bringing their case forward for a promotion up the order, as their knocks pushed Hallora to 199, giving Jindivick plenty to do next week.