The Blues started by throwing the new cherry to evergreen Graham Salan and the gambit looked to have paid dividends, as he completed an 18-over spell for a miserly 17 runs. At tea, Belgrave was just 3-71 from 46.

Needing 62 from the last 10 overs, Belgrave wrestled back the ascendancy thanks to a 60-run partnership between Leigh Newey (32) and Simon Hill (45), which saw the Pies to 5-180.

However, Belgrave lost four quick wickets, including two run outs, as the pressure to score built. Requiring 13 from the last over, with Doug Oaten and Mick Litterbach at the crease, the Pies gave themselves a chance with five runs from the first two balls, but the Blues managed to hold on by three runs.

The win leaves Ferntree Gully as the only undefeated side this season.

Lysterfield took the points over Johnson Park at Lakesfield Reserve, bowling the Sharks out for 135.

The Beavers were well served by medium pacer Tim Chivers (4-37) and joint Lomax Medallist Kyle Snyman (3-38). Lysterfield now has three wins and will move into the top four.

Upwey's president, Dain Howe, produced a blast from the past, smashing the Eildon Park attack for 141, staking his claim for Country Week selection. The Tigers made 279 in reply to Eildon Park's 130, with Brenton Hurst making 34. Aaron Powell grabbed a five-wicket haul for the Panthers, but to no avail, as Upwey steamed away with the six points.

In other games, Rowville triumphed over the Basin, its first for the season, Upper Ferntree Gully easily accounted for St Johns Tecoma, dismissing the Saints for 114 in their first innings, and Monbulk defended 180, bowling Mountain Gate out for 135.

Decoite Shield

KNOX Gardens firmed as flag favourites, rolling Auravale for 61 in their first innings. Travis Mulder did the damage for the Falcons with 6-27.

South Belgrave defeated Ferntree Gully outright, dismissing the Blues for 59 and 122 in reply to their 4-324. Knoxfield, Johnson Park, and Eildon Park all had wins over The Basin, Lysterfield, and Upwey respectively. In the final game, Knox could only manage 162 in reply to Footballers' 264.