by Joel Batson
Drouin v Warragul
Drouin cemented their position in the top two, with a dominant batting display helping them comfortably account for Warragul.
Bowling first, the Hawks were sternly tested by the Gulls. Despite a sensational spell from Al Gaudion (3-11), they were forced to grind in the field as the visitors made a defendable total of 160. Defendable against most teams, at least, as Drouin's batting continues to be on another level.
It was Gaudion again who did the damage, smashing a ridiculous run-a-ball 85 not out to see his side home one wicket down.
Wade Crawford (45*) playing a supportive hand at the other end, they did it with more than 10 overs to spare.
Ellinbank v Catani
A brilliant day of cricket from youngster Adam Campbell saw Ellinbank come away with a narrow victory over Catani on Saturday.
Bowling first, the Eagles were tested by the likes of Brad McDonald (34), who struck four boundaries in a whirlwind innings. The rest of the side batted around him, giving the Cats 160 to defend.
For the Eagles, they also had a well-rounded effort in the field. However, they relied on a couple of top-order batsmen to see them home.
Campbell (59) hit three towering sixes on his way to a match-winning knock. With terrific support from Chris Pallot (53), Campbell saw his side home with four wickets and nine balls to spare.
Yarragon v Iona
It was a day for batsmen at Yarragon on Saturday, as Iona out-gunned the home side in a run-heavy match.
Bowling first, Iona stalwart Brayden Hoskins (4-23) was the pick of the bowlers, as Jaipal Singh (47*) and Upinder Taggar (40) helped the Panthers reach a terrific score of 183.
Unfortunately for them, their bowling effort didn't match the batting, as Iona chased the score with ease.
Scott Hoare (79) was the chief architect of destruction, setting the tone for the day. Scott Clark (45) provided support from the other end as Iona won by six wickets, despite the best efforts of the likes of Jatinder Singh (3-41).
Western Park v Longwarry
Western Park retained top spot heading into the Christmas break, trouncing Longwarry at home on Saturday.
Bowling first, the Warriors leant on the spin of Travis Maher (4-23). The veteran and Dave Burn (2-19) helped reduce the Crows to a meagre score of 101.
For the visitors, Nick Pullen (46*) played a lone hand but had zero help from the other end. And, proceedings weren't about to improve for the underdogs.
In response, John Allsop (46*) was at his aggressive best, teaming up with Burn (27) to take all the air out of the chase. Western Park got home by the 20-over mark.