Singh smashes 112
Drouin 7/193 (cc) lost to Warragul 2/196 There were ominous signs for the competition as Warragul’s Amandeep Singh made a dramatic return to form.
Chasing a big target, Singh and Austin Williamson made a watchful start before Williamson went to the well once too often, bowled by Jacob Konstanty for 23.
Michael Modaffari settled at the crease as Singh began to accelerate, the pair adding 100 for the second wicket with Modaffari contributing 27.
Searching for the big breakthrough the Hawks shared the ball around, Singh taking full advantage as he plundered 16 boundaries and two maximums, leading Warragul to a resounding victory and finishing unbeaten on 112.
Earlier in the day, the home side fought back after a shaky start saw them lose 2/10.
Harry McConnell (41) made an impact in his first outing for Drouin, pairing with veteran Brad Cross (49) to put on 96 for the third wicket.
The Gulls failed to capitalise on a minor collapse that had Drouin on the ropes at 6/119 as Adin Short and Daniel Burke (28) brought their side back into the contest. Short continued his productive season with a second score in the forties, finishing not out on 45.
Lachlan Waters (2/35) snared two big scalps while Jeff McBride (2/13) mopped up late.
Longwarry 6/184 (cc) defeat Western Park 6/131 (cc)
Longwarry recorded its first win of the season taking the points comfortably over Western Park at home.
Choosing to bat first, the Crows set a good pace as Joe and Dan Pullen got down to business.
Having top scored in the round before Christmas, Joe (33) was overshadowed by Dan who posted a career best 75. Evan Wright chipped in with a handy 25 as the home side batted out their overs. Josh Baker was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28 while Connor Fleming chimed in with 2/29.
In reply, the Warriors were on the back foot early as Malinda Prashan (2/18) and Joe Pullen (2/23) ran through their top order.
Ben Lemmens provided good resistance making 34 before Russell Muir (on loan from division 6) knuckled down with a defiant 48 not out. Luke Merrett chipped in with 2/34.
Jindivick 6/179 defeat Garfield-Tynong 9/177 (cc)
A thrilling run chase has seen Jindivick triumph over Garfield-Tynong.
Chasing a competitive target, the Jumping Jacks were in trouble early at 3/10. Aaron Larkman and Matt Ward then joined forces to lead a revival, combining to add 113 for the fourth wicket.
Larkman (38) was the next wicket to fall quickly followed by Ward who top scored with 70.
At 6/138 the home side still had some work to do which proved to be no problem for the experienced pair of Brad Gnaden and Kev Larkman. With Larkman (25 n.o.) controlling the scoring and Gnaden holding down an end Jindivick brought up the winning runs with three overs to spare.
Pick of the bowlers was Paresh Naik who snared key scalps to finish with 3/29.
Earlier in the day, the Titans got away to a steady start as Andrew Myers (30) kept the scoreboard ticking over. Amjinder Singh and CJ King got on top of the bowlers during the middle overs, putting on 63 for the fifth wicket. Singh (52) broke through for his first halfcentury since joining the combine this summer.
King finished with 42. Best of the bowlers was Rowan Pepper with 3/40. Matt Ward (2/26) and Andrew Pyle (2/42) did the work early on.