Division 1

Neerim District (101) vs. Ellinbank (4-35): A lacklustre batting performance left Neerim District staring down the barrel of a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Ellinbank, but a stunning late afternoon bowling performance has ensured the Stags are still in with a sniff heading into day two of proceedings.

A disciplined new-ball assault from Will Robertson (who snared 1-12 from his 10 overs) and Nathan Pulham (2-27 off 10) had the Neerim top order all at sea, with the Stags slipping to 3-10 in the blink of an eye.

Sean Masterson (3-19) and Thomas Robertson (2-11 off seven) maintained the pressure, and ensured a regular flow of wickets.

Ash Lockett was the lone aggressor for the Stags, striking a brisk 52-ball 32, but after 50 overs Neerim were back in the sheds for just 101.

However, Dane Fawcett (2-20) and Ben Lockett (1-6) fought back stoically late in the day and saw the Eagles slip to 4-35 in reply.

Ben Spicer is yet to bat which bodes well for Ellinbank, but Neerim would be optimistic of causing an upset thanks to their energetic bowling stint.

Panthers in form

Yarragon (5-99) vs. Jindivick (96): Heading into round seven full of confidence following their upset win over Hallora, Yarragon continued their impressive run of form against Jindivick – claiming first innings points on the first days’ play.

Gamini Kumara (3-29 from 16) was at his probing best, constantly testing the batsmen and building consistent pressure, and Laytten Smith was the key beneficiary for the Panthers – snaring career-best figures of 6-29.

The duo reduced the Jumping Jacks to a scarcely believable 7-34 early in the day, and it was only thanks to Greg Interlandi (a resolute 21) and Craig Boswell (27) that Jindivick were able to post anything of note, dismissed for 96 in the 44th over.

Hussain Ali was again dangerous with the new-ball, snaring 3-26 from his 12 overs, but Kumara’s imperious approach was again on