Catani solid up top

With a strong bowling performance, Longwarry toppled Western Park. Losing the toss, Joe Pullen (3-7) and Rob Thomas (2-33) put the visitors on the back foot, as only John Allsop (72) got going for the visitors- as they could only muster 8-122 off their 40 overs. In reply, Finton Fox (38*) was the hero as he guided his side home, whilst getting strong contributions from Pullen (27) and Zac Wright (27). Jason Batson (2-14) and Travis Maher (2-17) battled for the Warriors, but ultimately the Crows proved too good as they won by three wickets.

Garfield-Tynong v Neerim District

A hard-fought contest saw Neerim District eek out six points against Garfield-Tynong. Bowling first, the Stags kept things tight without taking a flurry of wickets, as only Liam Garlick-Adams (3-16) was able to make a dent in the resolute Garfield-Tynong order. Darren Vandenberge (42) was the most aggressive batsmen for the Titans, as they made a competitive 5-138. In reply, Phill Young (3-27) and John Zacarri (2-24) had Neerim in trouble at 4-52- but a mature innings from Sam Fusinato (40) saw the away side home.

Iona v Warragul

Iona spring boarded themselves into the top four with a dominant victory over Warragul. Batting first, Lachlan Howard (70*) and Travis Kitchin (49*) put the Gulls’ bowlers to the sword, adding an unbeaten 91-run stand against the likes of Jeff McBride (2-50) to give themselves the edge. In reply, Steven Fricke (41) continued his fine run of form, but received little help, as Thomas Cairns (4-12), Mick Neilson (3-18) and Brad Gorman (2-32) smothered the young visitors, skittling them for just 115.

Catani v Yarragon

A red-hot Catani side has cemented top spot on the ladder, brutally dispatching a downtrodden Yarragon on the weekend. Batting first, the Cats were in imperious form- as Ross Douglas (91*), Joe Dalgleish (80) and Leigh Jose (38*) batted with sinister intentions, sending balls wildly flying to the fence with aplomb as Catani amassed an incredible 3-280 off their allotted overs. In reply, Yarragon folded cheaply- Daniel Glover (2-12), Ryan Smith (2-10) and Chris Brew (2-26) all took multiple wickets as Yarragon were all out for just 81, handing Catani an enormous percentage boost.

Matthew Murphy puts his back into this delivery for Ellinbank at Neerim South Rec Reserve.

Jason Helps picked up the prize wicket of Dave Ferguson in Div 4.

Billy Whyte drives the ball into the cover region for Neerim District.

Troy Clarke gets a fine edge to this delivery and is caught behind.

Travis McCann pulls his ball to the legside boundary, making 25.

Launching into this delivery is Ellinbank opener Nate Murphy.

Alix Tauru picks up the wicket of Travis McCann.

James Scammell jumps to take this return.