by Samuel Laffy
Ellinbank (154) def. Trafalgar (8/129)
Matt Dare once again demonstrated his skill in Ellinbank's 25-run win over Trafalgar, with a superb knock of 91 proving the difference between the two sides.
Striking four fours and seven sixes, Dare combined with Ryan Bosch (37) to lift the Eagles to 154 before they were dismissed in the 37th over. Shane White (4/22) was the pick of the Ships' bowlers.
In reply, Trafalgar's scoring was reduced to a crawl early, as Bosch (2/18) and Auldist (3/10) tested the techniques of the top order, and despite the run rate accelerating late, Ellinbank were always in control – the Ships finishing 8/129.

Warragul (4/166) def. Longwarry (5/164)
Steven Fricke's antics at the top of the order was the highlight of Warragul's six-wicket win, with the small confines of Longwarry Primary School no match for his hitting.
Staring down a tough target of 164, Fricke belted nine fours and two sixes on his way to 55*, setting a run-scoring tone matched by Stanley Simms (26*) and Glen Pakarinen (27*), the Gulls racing to victory in just the 27th over.
Earlier in the day, the Crows were led by the likes of Hameeteman (60*) and Tristan Black (52*), although by game's end it was readily apparent that many more were required to challenge Warragul.

Drouin (1/90) def. Garfield-Tynong (7/89)
Drouin picked up where they left off last summer, with a dominant display that proved too much for Garfield-Tynong to overcome.
Brendan Butler (2/9 off 5) and Gavin Mills (2/16 from 8) ensured there were no easy runs to be had, and the Titans' line-up was forced to work for every run.
Jake Lambourne (25) and Ash Zinnow (24) did their level best to counterattack but Garfield-Tynong could only post 7/89 from their 40 overs.
In reply, Remo Graziotin did what he does best in a belligerent knock of 51*, and together with Dale Kelly (who struck 23), helped the Hawks reach their target in just 19 overs.

Yarragon (7/155) def. Catani (5/145)
Jason Eastham's stunning unbeaten half-century helped Yarragon claim a 10-run win over Catani, with the Panthers off to a winning start in season 2024/25.
Eastham worked well in combination with Ben Asplin (20) to propel Yarragon to 155 from their 40 overs, overcoming impressive spells of bowling from Bryan Hales (2/19) and Campbell Hales (2/16).
In reply, Catani began their chase positively, but were never able to edge in front of the required run rate, and despite their best efforts fell just short at 5/145.

Neerim District (8/100) def. Western Park (99)
An undermanned Western Park almost pulled of an upset against Neerim District in their round one clash, but the all-round efforts of John Fleming and Michael Saunders helped the Stags clinched a two-wicket win.
For the Warriors, James Campbell (18) and Thomas Lilford (a superb 36) provided inspiration at the top of the order, but the rest of the batters couldn't follow suit, falling away as Fleming (5/11 from 8) and Saunders (1/16) snared regular scalps.
Jack Sim (4/23) and Caleb Walsh (3/16) ran riot against the Neerim District top and middle order, but just when they believed the win was within their grasp, Saunders (26*) and Fleming (13*) combined for a 22-run eighth wicket stand to snatch victory.