By Richard Millott
Lysterfield has started its promotion season in the right path, putting on a sound performance against The Basin to commence Round 2.
A steady start from the Bears was highlighted by Blake Walter at the top of the order, departing for 48 with the score at 3/78.
Brad Paull was the pick of the bowling, sending down 29 overs to claim 4/77, well supported by Nathan Walsh with 3/53 from 20 overs.
The Bears’ day stopped just shy of 70 overs on the board, the score at 9/177.
Belgrave’s early form continued against Upper Ferntree Gully, with Aaron Brunner again in the spotlight, recording his second century in as many rounds.
The Belgrave batsman found ways to score quick runs and concluded the day at 111 not out, continuing next week alongside Luke Spence (77*).
The Kings will hope to wrap the innings quickly before commencing a sizable chase given the Pies sit at 2/265 from 64 overs after the first day.
Mitch Ley caused headaches for all concerned down at Eildon Parade, with the Panthers sitting precariously after a shortened day one.
A decent start brought Ryan Williamson (48) to the crease for Eildon Park, however, the day belonged to Ley.
He claimed five of the six wickets to fall to end at 5/34 from 21.2 overs including 10 maidens.
The day concluded early with Eildon Park at 6/125, still to face 21.4 overs before the Sharks begin their chase.
Knox Gardens strong form continued against Ferntree Gully Footballers.
The middle order was key to the Falcons’ innings. Particularly notable was Jarrod Butcher, who secured an unbeaten century.
Sam Cuthbert claimed 3/70 for the Griffens on a day where Knox Gardens posted 6/283 as the score to beat.
Upwey travelled to Knoxfield and made good use of the conditions to skittle the hosts.
Chris Rumble (36) and skipper Zac Wilson (34) were the only Knights’ batsmen to get going, while Cameron Wheeler (4/49) was again the pick of the bowling, claiming 4/61 from 29 overs, including 12 maidens.
The Knights will now look for a similar bowling effort to restrict the visitors, the score set at 190 to chase next week.
In Decoite Shield, the Bradbury run-show rolled into Olinda.
Ferntree Gully elected to bat first and was rewarded as Josh Henry (34) got the start the Blues were after.
Jayden Bradbury and Jason Kilby then combined to thwart the Bloods’ bowlers. Kilby departed for 37, however, Bradbury will continue next week from 75 not out.
The Blues faced 68 overs across the day, with play ending at 4/213.
Jay Wagner set tongues wagging for Knox Gardens in their match against South Belgrave.
Wagner reached triple figures and helped the Falcons reach 7/295, despite the best efforts of Daniel Maxwell (4/76) with the ball.
Monbulk have 198 on the board in its match against St Johns Tecoma, while Rowville reached 6/273 against Mountain Gate.
