by Samuel Laffy
Western Park (DNB) drew with Hallora (182)

Western Park have swept all comers to date this season but had their first extended test for the summer on Saturday against a Halloran outfit adopting a grit-and-grind mentality that paid dividends.
Having won the toss and electing to bat the Kangaroos endured perhaps the worst possible start with James Williams strangled down the leg-side and handing Zane Harper the simplest of catches.
But any thoughts of another dominant Warriors bowling effort were quickly extinguished.
Batter after batter displayed the necessary patience to outlast patches of good bowling – of which there was no shortage – and helped ensure that clumps of wickets didn't fall at once.
Leading the way was Brett Williams, who is in his own words "channelled his inner Pujara" in making 54, with the opener delivering a lesson in putting value on your wicket.
Sam Batson (3/30), Jason Croft (3/42 from 22.1), and Ben Clarke (2/31 off 20) tested his resolve throughout but were bluntly bunted at every turn as Hallora made their way to 182 – Mitchell Smith (30) and Ethan Guest (24) also worthy of recognition.
Reflecting on Hallora's efforts after the game, Western Park's Sam Batson acknowledged the intent demonstrated.
"It was a great challenge coming up against a side who'd clearly steeled themselves to bat the full 80 and make it a slog. I thought we responded brilliantly, bowling 26 maidens. Brett Williams to his credit grinded up all day, but that was also a byproduct of our execution."
Trafalgar (182) drew with Catani (1/20)
It may have taken until round six, but Rhys Holdsworth showed that division one bowlers still have plenty to fear when they take the field against the Ships, with a wonderful knock of 96 anchoring Trafalgar's efforts against Catani.
Beginning the season with two ducks, Holdsworth showed glimpses he was returning to form in recent weeks, and his full repertoire of strokes were on display at the Trafalgar Recreation Reserve much to the delight of his teammates.
Battling against some impressive spells from Daniel Glover (4/11 from 11) and Mitchell Gregson (3/17 off 9.3), Holdsworth knew that if Trafalgar were to post a competitive total much of the heavy lifting had to come from him, and after a watchful start he unfurled a host of bludgeoned cuts and drives.
Aiden George (a patient 24) provided ample support in a 75-run third wicket stand, and at one stage the Ships were in a position of power at 3/142.
However, Glover was eventually able to lure Holdsworth into a loose shot and from there the Cats roared back into the contest.
Trafalgar's Liam Durkin reflected post-game on the missed opportunity to push on from the positive start.
"It was disappointing not to capitalise, we really should have made at least 230," he said.
"With a fresh middle order exposed, we lost wickets in clumps."
As it was, the last seven wickets fell for just 40 runs as Glover and Gregson ran rampant, and with Catani tantalisingly placed at 1/20 at the abandonment of play the Cats would no doubt be encouraged by their efforts.
Iona (159) drew with Drouin (3/39)
Having been cast aside in a demoralising outright loss to Western Park last round, Iona dragged themselves off the canvas and showed significant fight against one of the more highly fancied division one sides, walking away from their clash with Drouin with heads held high.
With Brad Glover (who celebrated his 200th A grade match with a superb haul of 3/18 from 11.4 overs), Gamini Kumara (2/18), and Dana Fernando (3/25) providing headaches for the Swamp Tigers, it was always going to be tough going.
However, Josh Bethune and Will Taylor did their level best to provide Iona with an upset chance in a wonderful top order partnership.
Bethune was the more watchful of the pair – striking just two boundaries in a 62-ball 22 – but Taylor took the game on and reaped the benefits.
Mixing staunch defence with extravagant strokeplay, his beautifully considered 95 helped Iona reach 159 before being dismissed.
With 16 overs to face out before the close of play on Saturday the Hawks then found themselves in a spot of bother at 3/39, with Jackson Clerks (1/12 off 8) delivering a brutal new ball spell.
Lahiru Jayakody adopted an aggressive approach in response to the fall of early wickets – making 24* off just 29 balls – but the inclement weather meant that the tantalising positioned match ended in a damp squib.
Ellinbank (217) drew with Longwarry (8/194)
Whether a full day's play would have enabled the Crows to make the 24 extras runs required for victory, or if Sean Masterson would have continued to snare wickets in a wonderful display will be argued for weeks to come, but at the end of the weekend's action Ellinbank and Longwarry shared the spoils in their hard-fought encounter.
It was a match where the momentum swung violently back and forth, with the Crows at one stage heavy favourites after reducing the Eagles to 7/122.
Dom Pullen (3/31) and Jonah Serong (2/27) seemed irrepressible with the ball, but Matthew Wragg's unbeaten 61 saw Ellinbank eventually post 217.
Then, with Johanne De Zilva (a 43-ball 41) and Isaac Carney (38 from 40) combining, there seemed little that the Eagles' attack could do to prevent Longwarry from snatching a famous victory.
However, Masterson (who eventually finished with 5/67) wasn't about to let his side drop the bundle that easily and his late wickets ensured that the Crows would have to settle for a draw – finishing at 8/194.