by Samuel Laffy
Western Park (147) def. by Buln Buln (3/148)
One of the rarer sights confronted Western Park as they prepared for their division four clash against Buln Buln, with the entire Lyrebirds line-up comprised of junior players.

However, whilst many might see this as the gateway to victory, the Warriors discovered just how talented some of the Buln Buln brigade are as they slumped to a seven-wicket loss.
Dane Hammond (2/29 from 7) and Charlie Kilmartin (3/17 off 7) ran riot with the new ball and reduced Western Park to 5/56 early in the piece.
It was only thanks to a sterling 77-run sixth-wicket stand between Oliver Hilton (who blasted his first six on his way to 32) and Chris Wettenhall (a boisterous 44) that the Warriors were able to post a potentially defendable total, making 8/147 from their allotted overs.
In reply, Kilmartin struck a composed half-century to anchor Buln Buln's chase – making 57 before being somewhat controversially stumped – whilst William McKerrow (21), Charlie Lindau (27), and Coby Bridger (24*) chimed in with handy contributions that helped the Lyrebirds reach 3/148 in the 38th over.
Lenny Barake was the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors – utilising clever changes of pace and a consistent line-and-length to challenge the batters – whilst Kynan Plant (1/21) was also effective.
Garfield-Tynong (194) def. Jindivick (78)
Garfield-Tynong sealed top spot on the division four table – and locked in a semi final encounter with Western Park next weekend – following their emphatic win over Jindivick on Saturday.
Having posted 194 on day one of proceedings, the Titans proved far too disciplined with ball in hand for the Jumping Jacks, with Glen Johnston and Hayden Porter leading the way as Jindivick were bundled out for just 78 in the 49th over.
Rod Huma strode to the crease with an outside chance of catching Marc Fleming for the division four batting aggregate, but his hopes were dashed when Jack Salan – who also spent the summer valiantly chasing Fleming in the run-scoring standings – was able to breach his defences for just eight.
The potentially dangerous duo of Rory Payne, who bunted a full ball from Johnston on just three, and Matt Cheshire, who had his stumps rearranged by Porter for a duck, joined him back in the sheds early and in the blink of an eye Jindivick were 5/27.
Johnston (4/21 from 14) and Porter (3/30 off 15) continued to cause headaches for the Jumping Jacks and Garfield-Tynong would no doubt be pleased with the tune-up they had as the season enters its most anticipated phase.
Hallora (373) def. Iona (228)
Iona made a valiant fist of chasing down the intimidating target set by Hallora last weekend, but the Kangaroos were nonetheless able to home a 145-run win over the Swamp Tigers.
Craig Lenders – who struck a boisterous run-a-ball 24 opening up – provided the ideal start for Iona, and a number of other batters were able to make starts, but no-one was able to put together the substantial innings needed to truly test the Halloran bowlers.
Dion Pavlic (a boundary-laden 56), Richard Hobson (an aggressive 33), and contributions from James Weitering (22*) and Zac O'Hara (21) all aided the Swamp Tigers' efforts, but the weight of runs proved too much to overcome.
Michael Buzasi (4/88 from 26) capped off a magnificent all-round effort with a haul of wickets, while Hasitha Wijesinghe (3/22 from 5) and Keaton Brown (2/14 off 2.2) played perfect supporting acts as Iona were bowled out for 228 in the 57th over.
The Swamp Tigers, however, have a chance to atone for their somewhat poor overall performance this weekend, when they take on Jindivick in the semi final clash.