Buln Buln on top after enthralling match
bowling of Stewart in the last over, effectively ending the contest as Masterson (71*) and Ellinbank fell by three runs in a terrific match.
Kangas in winning form
Drouin 89 def by Hallora 7/164 Hallora has continued their winning ways, rolling with the momentum created by last week’s thrilling victory by annihilating Drouin away from home.
Batting first the Kangas were faced with early trouble, as Jamie Glen and Brad Glover each picked up an early wicket.
However, James Vela (70) and Fraser Duncan (39) returned to the form they are capable of, picking gaps with ease on the vast Bellbird outfield as the pair combined for a crucial 108-run stand.
Glen (3-30) and Glover (3-27) brought the hosts back into the game late in the innings, the pair making use of the slow pitch, however Hallora managed to reach 7-164 off their allotted overs, a score that would be too much to handle for Drouin.
Sam Whibley (2-20) picked up the key scalps of Vanderzalm and Bell early to leave the Hawks at 3-21, whilst an outstanding outing from Aidan Phillips (4-27) coupled with two terrific fielding efforts from Causey and James Williams to run out key men Trevor Gardiner and Sam Wyatt, proved to be the difference in the match, as Drouin were bundled out for 89 and Hallora romped home a 75 run victory.
Stags win first game
Jindivick 171 def by Neerim District 4/236 At long last Neerim District won their first game of the season, trouncing rivals Jindivick in an emphatic display.
Batting first, Jack Ward (80) and Nathan Bayne (32) showed glimpses of last season’s form, combining for a 122-run opening stand to put the Stags in the box seat.
The pair were removed quickly by Shannon Mitchell after a multitude of boundaries, however Ash Lockett (54 off 35) and Rhys George (40* off 39) quickly put the pressure on the Jumping Jack pace attack, which was proven impotent, as Neerim posted a mammoth 4236 off their allotted overs.
Shannon Mitchell (4-65) was the only bowler to pick up wickets, however, was expensive in the process.
Proceedings did not improve for Jindivick in their batting innings. Early wickets to a handful of Neerim bowlers left the Jumping Jacks struggling, with only Hussain Ali (37) able to counter-attack to any measure as Jindivick fell to 7-101.
Aaron Fawcett (3-28) and Dane Fawcett (229) effectively put the game to bed for the Stags, however Craig Boswell (43*) managed to provide some late hitting to push the score to 171. Albeit it was all a consolation for Jindivick as they sank closer to the bottom of the ladder.
Warriors get job done
Western Park 5/158 def Yarragon 7/156 Western Park got the job done over top four rivals Yarragon, however not without a few major scares.
On a pitch favoring slower bowling and spin, Gayan De Silva (38) was able to make his presence felt as Yarragon batted first, however a multitude of starts didn’t allow the Panthers to take the ascendency.
Joel Batson (2-12) and Jason Croft (2-33) were able to pick up timely wickets for the Parkers, as only Lucas Kilday (27) was effective at the end as Yarragon slightly stuttered late in their innings, reaching a par-score of 7-156.
In reply, Gamini Kumara picked up the wicket of Jason Croft in the first over, however a swashbuckling innings from Sanjaya Gangodawila (46) seemingly put Western Park in the box seat.
Chris McCallum (2-20) and Gayan De Silva (2-18) turned the game on its head just before drinks, however, taking four quick wickets between them to leave the Warriors in trouble at 5-78.
With 80 to get, Sam Batson (52* on return) was at his best, providing a calm innings to guide his side home as Joel Batson (25*) provided support, with Western Park claiming the victory with two overs remaining.