By Richard Millott
Six teams are level at the top of Norm Reeves Shield, separated only on percentage, after an action-packed Round 5 in the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association on Saturday.
Knoxfield jumped from third on the ladder to top spot after a dominant display with the ball against the undefeated Lysterfield.
Set a mammoth 341 last week, the Beavers were in early trouble as Josh Lindner ran rampant against the top order.
The young tear-away ended the day with figures of 6/36 from his consecutive 20 overs as the match was ended just prior to tea, Lysterfield dismissed for 92.
The Knights gained 0.39 per cent from the result to jump ahead, while the result has seen Lysterfield drop from second to sixth place ahead of the local derby next week against Eildon Park.
Belgrave suffered its first blemish of the campaign against reigning premiers, The Basin.
Belgrave set 205 last week, which was championed from the Bears’ opening pairing as Scott Vozzo (36) and Blake Walter went after the target.
Walter was boundary-happy, hitting 12 fours and a six as part of his 74 to take the Bears to 7/207 with 10 overs to spare.
The Bears now sit third behind the Pies, having closed the percentage gap.
Eildon Park saw off Ferntree Gully Footballers, dismissing the visitors for 201 to win by over 100 runs.
The 313 target set by the Panthers last week proved too much despite the efforts of Lachlan Storey (41), Radhik Gooneratne (36) and Nick Bogar (32).
Jarrod Hicks took 5/57 from 21.5 overs, combining well with Zac Clark who snared 3/50.
The Panthers have hit form over the past month to sit inside the top four prior to summer.
Knox Gardens claimed the points against Upper Ferntree Gully at Kings Park, while Upwey opened its account for the season after defeating Johnson Park.
In Decoite Shield, St Johns Tecoma shored up its spot in second place following a comprehensive win against Olinda.
Chasing 321 from last week, the Bloods were soundly defeated as Tafadzwa Kamungozi shone brightest with 42.
For the Saints, Aaron Grenda claimed 4/39 from the top of the bowling sheet to help dismiss the visitors for 174.
Ferntree Gully remain clear of the pack in Decoite Shield after a successful chase against Rowville.
Set 139 to claim the points, the Blues held wickets in hand while ticking the required runs, with Josh Henry (69) and Daniel Salan (56) notching half-centuries to help bank the points.
In other games, Monbulk secured a tough win against Knox Gardens while South Belgrave entered the top four after a successful chase against Mountain Gate.
