by Samuel Laffy
Hallora (2/78) vs Catani (110)

Aidan Phillips' standing as one of the more talented youngsters in the WDCA was only enhanced on the weekend, taking out a six-wicket haul that helped Hallora finish the first day's play requiring only another 33 runs to claim victory.
Rather than attempting to bait the opposition batters into loose drives and fending away from their bodies, Phillips instead chose to attack the stumps.
Phillips' aggression paid dividends, with his pace proving too much for the Cats' top order.
In James Vela, Daniel Vela, and Eli Richards, Catani have some of the more highly regarded bats in the competition, but they made just 10 runs between them as a flurry of wickets decimated the Cats hopes of posting a challenging first innings total.
Phillips – who finished with 6/35 from 14 overs – was ably supported by Ethan Guest (2/32) and together they bundled Catani out for just 110 in just 46.2 overs.
In reply. Kian Burns (who mixed watchful defence with extravagant strokeplay on his way to 33) enjoyed his time at the crease, and Andrew Donohue (29*) was able to provide further frustration for bowlers as the Kangaroos made their way to 2/78 at stumps.
Iona (213) vs Ellinbank (0/0)
The Swamp Tigers have had frequent reminders of the gulf in class between divisions one and two this season but delivered one of their more encouraging performances in 2024/25 to post a strong first innings total against the highly-fancied Ellinbank.
A quick glance at the bowling figures – with Curtis Howell snaring 4/38 from 10.1, 'TK' Keily 2/39 from 15, and Jack Pandolfo 1/22 off 15 – might indicate that the Eagles were on top throughout, but whilst the Ionan top order found the going tough, the middle and lower order provided a host of wonderful knocks that frustrated their opponents to no end.
More often than not the likes of Luke Gilbert and Liam Lenders are looked at to provide inspiration for their teammates, however, they were both removed before they could do any damage to the scoreboard.
Jesse De Pasquale (36) and Mick Taylor (38) combined for a 57-run fifth wicket stand that rescued the Swamp Tigers from 4/44, while Kieran Lenders (a gritty 36) and Jay Riley (a rollicking 30) carried on their good work.
The determination and discipline on show was far removed from some of the more careless batting displays seen so far this summer and Iona's eventual total of 213 will no doubt provide Ellinbank with a challenge as they head into the second day's play next Saturday.
Western Park (106) vs Drouin (4/53)
The top of the table clash between Western Park and Drouin didn't disappoint with the two sides locked in a tense struggle that is well and truly in the balance heading into the second day's play.
However, the Warriors would feel that they have a slight edge in momentum at stumps, having snatched four Drouin wickets in what on paper looked to be a regulation run chase.
Jason Croft continued his otherworldly run of form with the ball – claiming 3/12 from nine overs to trigger a collapse of 4/16 that took the Hawks from 0/29 to 4/45 – whilst the rest of the Western Park attack delivered timely disciplined spells in support.
Damon Healy (26 from just 31 balls) had briefly threatened to take the game away from the Warriors, but his dismissal saw the rest of the Drouin line-up retreat somewhat in their aggressive intent.
Aiding the cause was one of the more sensational catches you're ever likely to see, with Sanjaya Gangodawila diving full length and somehow snaffling a chance that the vast majority of mere mortals would simply watch race past them to the boundary.
Nonetheless, Drouin must be congratulated on sending a message to Western Park that they won't simply romp to another premiership, with James Wilcock (4/15 from 10.4), Troy Lehman (2/28 off 9), and Lahiru Jayakody (2/10 from 9) in outstanding form.
The depth in the Hawks' attack meant that the conditions were largely a non-factor, as bowlers could be rotated without worrying about pressure being released, and the Warriors found it tough to break the shackles as they were dismissed for just 106.
Longwarry (4/103) vs Trafalgar (56)
Yet another dismal batting performance has seen Trafalgar slump to first innings defeat at the hands of Longwarry, with the Ships' confidence with bat in hand copping another blow.
Matt Aslett (2/18 from 13) and Dom Pullen (0/4 off 9) delivered an impeccable new ball display, smothering the scoring of Liam Durkin and James Peart and ensuring that their only option was survival, rather than attack.
Although the pair were at the crease for more than 20 overs the run rate stayed below one-an-over throughout and once they departed the Trafalgan middle order were left with no option but to attack.
Unfortunately for the Ships they more often than not chose the wrong ball to attempt to score, and Johanne De Zilva (4/16) and Ali Sarosh (2/8) took full advantage.
They ran riot through the tail and after 52.5 overs had Trafalgar all out for just 56.
Sensing the chance to set the Crows up for a rare chance at outright victory, Vidusha Hettiarachchige Don (44 from 68) and Isaac Carney (21 off 35) began with an attacking mindset, and in the blink of an eye had carried Longwarry to first innings points.
Leo Connolly (1/26) and Zack Brown (1/17) did their best to slow the scoring rate but despite their best efforts the Crows made their way through to 4/103 at stumps – holding a 47-run advantage heading into the second day's play.