by Samuel Laffy
Garfield-Tynong vs Warragul (130)
Eastern Park has proved a happy hunting ground for many this summer, but the Gulls line-up found themselves forced to eke out every available run against Garfield-Tynong, with the Titans' attack reducing scoring to a crawl across the afternoon.
Greg Interlandi (33), Matthew Wakefield (a watchful 30), and David Wheeler (30) made valuable contributions to the Warragul cause, but none of the trio were ever able to completely settle at the crease.
This was largely the result of an incredible parsimonious spell from Krishan Rangajith, the talented spinner nigh on unplayable for long stretches.
He claimed 3/20 from 23 superb overs, as Grant Pearson (1/24 from 16.5) and Brayden Ridler (2/37 off 12) provided excellent support.
Nonetheless, Warragul would be pleased with the grit and determination they showed, ensuring that they forced Garfield-Tynong to toil for their wickets rather than surrendering meekly.
Of course, the Titans will begin next weekend as favourites to chase down the middling total, but the Gulls have ensured they are in with a chance.
Neerim District (2/39) vs Yarragon (109)
Neerim District's vaunted pace attack again came to the fore in their clash with Yarragon on Saturday, with the Stags requiring just 71 more runs to claim first innings points at the close of play.
Dane Fawcett – who has been in almost career-best form throughout the season – delivered another sterling new ball spell, claiming 3/18 from 11.2 overs, and Toby Bayne's resurgence (snaring 3/33 off his 10 overs) helped break through the dogged Yarragon resistance.
Jake Green (who made a crucial 32 down the order) was the pick of the batters for the Panthers.
Although several of his teammates were able to make starts, no-one was able to deliver an innings of magnitude to boost the total as Yarragon were dismissed for 109 in the 51st over.
Green (1/22) and Daniel Haddad (1/17) were able to make early breakthroughs to buoy the Panthers' mood, but Rhys George (15*) and Nathan Bayne (17*) consolidated and helped Neerim District to 2/39 at stumps.
Western Park (1/71) vs Jindivick (127)
Many feared that the recent migration of his younger – and arguably more highly fancied brother – might disrupt the operating rhythm that James Allen has established at Western Park.
But the beloved spinner ensured his fans had nothing to worry about, snaring a seven-wicket haul that put Western Park in the box seat against Jindivick.
Having watched as Oscar Sheehan (2/39 from 19) set the tone with a typically energetic new ball spell, Allen's introduction into the attack left the Jumping Jacks in disarray, his flight and ability to turn the ball proving too much to overcome.
Ranga Brandigampala (an audacious 43-ball 40) was the only batter able to counterattack, as 'Jumbo' snared a stunning haul of 7/54 from his 16.4 overs.
Having bundled Jindivick out for 127, Allen then set about quickly chasing down the target, combining with Henry Allsop for a 54-run opening stand that helped the Warriors to 1/71 at stumps.
Allen departed not long before the close of play for 26, but Allsop (35*) looked to be in a menacing mood, and will no doubt be keen to post another significant knock next weekend.
Buln Buln (265) vs Drouin
Buln Buln Recreation Reserve's reputation as a graveyard for bowlers was again boosted on Saturday, as the Lyrebirds posted a strong first-innings total in their round 12 clash against Drouin.
And as has been the case on many occasions this summer it was Corey Jagoe who again ran rampant early in the piece.
Striking six boundaries in a typically rapid knock, the veteran all-rounder's 50-ball 41 saw runs flowing from the first over of the day.
Lachlan Jagoe (who made a patient 34) again provided superb support, and the opening duo's efforts laid a foundation for Brayden Notman to build on as he took full advantage.
Belting 11 fours in all, Notman's 81-ball 84 saw runs scored freely across the duration of the day.
Upinder Taggar delivered another fine display of bowling (following up last week's six-wicket haul with 3/76), whilst the remaining wickets were shared between the Hawks attack.
In all Buln made 265 from their 67.4 overs at the crease, a target that will require a significant effort for Drouin to overhaul next weekend.