by Samuel Laffy
Western Park (8/360) def Longwarry (8/137)

A host of outs at the selection table meant that James Campbell – fearless leader of the Western Park Division 5 outfit – held some concern about the viability of his squad heading into their clash with Longwarry, but the injury-prone skipper needn't have worried as the Warriors launched one of the more astonishing onslaughts seen in recent years. John and Ben Laffy channelled Dom Turetto in a rapid 31-run opening stand – only broken by an incredible one-handed catch from Fintan Fox that sent John on his way – but what followed was simply staggering. Ben's belligerent 35-ball 55 saw the ball deposited to the boundary with stark regularity, and Nick Baker (a run-a-ball 82 full of punchy cuts and drives) and Gavin Koch (a swashbuckling 53*) followed suit, with the Crows attack barely able to deliver a dot-ball let alone claim a wicket. Following this triple threat, James Campbell delivered the finisher - piledriving 56* late in the piece – as Western Park amassed 8/360 from their 40 overs. Fox did his best to haul his side back into the contest, with an audacious 70*, but the likes of Connor Walsh (2/16), Bryce Koch (2/20), and Aden Gilbert (who followed up a rambunctious 24-ball 41 with 2/23) claimed quick wickets as the Crows were left with no option but to hit out. After just 20 overs they were out for 137, with Western Park taking home a scarcely believable 223-run win.
Ellinbank (5/109) def Drouin (104)
William Auldist's incredible form helped propel Ellinbank to a five-wicket win over Drouin in their Division 5 clash, with his damaging spell with the new-ball proving too much for the Hawks to overcome. Auldist (who snared 4/19) combined with Matt Dare (who claimed 2/12 from his eight overs) to stymie scoring early on and a lack of runs from Duy Vo (10), Brendan Butler (0), and Jimmy Atwal (0) ensured the Eagles quickly stamped their authority on proceedings. Trent Wardle chimed in with a handy 28 down the order but despite this Drouin were dismissed for just 104. In reply, Dare departed for a rare duck, but Logan Joyce quickly set Ellinbank ship back on course with an excellent 50*. Together with 25 from Archie Mantel, the pair helped the Bankers reaching victory in the 20th over.
Garfield-Tynong (3/151) def Catani (144)
A devastating collapse from Catani meant they fell short in their encounter with Garfield-Tynong, with the Cats left to rue wasted opportunities after being in a position of strength early in their innings. Matt Finger (46) and Matt Coleman (49) were in fine form opening up, and comfortably saw off some early challenging spells from Beau Zinnow (2/15 off 7.5) and Vijay Kumar (0/10 from 6), but after they departed none of their teammates were to seize the sizable momentum, with a flurry of wickets seeing Catani dismissed for 144. In reply, Kumar (a 46-ball 33) and Mark Bowman (34 from just 32 deliveries) encountered little difficulty at the crease, and helped the Titans reach 3/151 in the 33rd over.
Trafalgar (3/205) def Jindivick (7/203)
Having celebrated his 400th senior game in style with a half-century last weekend, John Asmussen showed there are plenty more appearances – and runs – left in the tank, with his unbeaten 52 helping Trafalgar to a stunning seven-wicket win over Jindivick. Having toiled in the sun as the Jumping Jacks posted 7/203 – a t total made possible thanks to a whirlwind 59* from Mal McLeod and an excellent 23 from Gracie Sanders – the Ships were able to shrug off any lethargy and attack from the get-go. Asmussen found support from Anthony Faltum (35) at the top of the order, whilst Shane White (50*) carried on the assault late; Trafalgar reaching 3/206 – and victory – in the 36th over.
Warragul (4/59) def Yarragon (9/57)
Ben Asplin struck a career-best knock in an excellent display of batting, but unfortunately for Yarragon there was precious little else to celebrate as the Panthers slumped to a six-wicket loss at the hands of Warragul. Asplin's knock contributed a scarcely believable 75% of Yarragon's total, with the remaining nine batters making just 11 between them as Yarragon were bundled out for 57, with Mitchell Bradshaw claiming a superb five-wicket haul. Kyle Bradshaw (3/14 off 7) did all he could in a valiant attempt to defend such a low total, but despite snaring early wickets the Panthers were blunted by David Izard. His confident 27* helped the Gulls overcome their nervous start and claim the six points after 15.4 overs.