Division 3
Bunyip (135) vs. Western Park (1-36): Having been put to the sword in their opening round encounter, Western Park delivered a reminder of their talent to ladder-leaders Bunyip.
The Warriors require just 100 more runs to claim first innings points heading into day two of proceedings.
Stephen Briggs (3-30 from 13) and Josh Sauze (3-39 off 13) did the bulk of the damage with the ball, with their ability to extract movement through the air and off the pitch crucial.
The dangerous Tyler McMillan made just 14, and it took an excellent half-century from James McKellar to boost Bunyip’s total; the Bulls making their way to 135 before being dismissed.
In reply, Daniel Hilton departed early – caught by McKellar off Davis McConnell – but Kurtis Harper (16*) and Travis Maher (16*) carried Western Park to 1-36 at stumps.
Law takes seven
Garfield-Tynong (159) vs. Neerim District (0-7): A seven-wicket haul to Cam Law helped to restrict Garfield-Tynong to a middling total in their round seven clash, with the leg-spinner continuing his exceptional season with the ball.
Proving far too good for the Titan’s middle and lower order, Law’s incredible spell – which included three stumpings – saw Neerim claim 10-74 to reduce Garfield-Tynong from 0-85 to 159 all out.
The collapse saw the promising start provided by Ray Evans (62) and Tom Bulenok (36) wasted, with the Stags enjoying a stunning recovery.
In reply, Neerim District made their way to 07 at stumps.
Jolly knock steers Drouin
Drouin (9-243) vs. Buln: Cambell Jolly blasted an unbeaten 61 to lead Drouin to a strong first innings total against Buln Buln, overcoming a four-wicket haul from Luke O’Neill.
Together with a brisk half-century from Damon Healy (who has made two surprising lower-grade appearances this summer), Jolly’s boundary-laden knock helped lift Drouin to 9243 at stumps – with the pair’s 101-run stand the highlight of the innings.
O’Neill snared 4-22 to stymie the run-scoring late in the day, but he lacked meaningful support as the Hawks racked up a challenging total.
Shah’s incredible Summer
Yarragon (157) vs. Jindivick (1-21): Sayeed Shah’s incredible summer with the bat continued at the weekend, with the seamer snaring another six-wicket haul to lead the way for the Jumping Jacks.
Typically hard to score off, and constantly troubling the batsmen, Shah skittled the Yarragon top-order to reduce the Panthers to 5-38 early in the piece.
Snaring the first five wickets (and adding a run-out to boot), Shah ensured it was left to Anthony Wilkes (48) and Derek Adikane (33) to launch rear-guard efforts to rescue the innings – the pair helping Yarragon reach 157 before being dismissed.
In reply, Jindivick made it to stumps at 1-21.