Morris produced a chanceless innings of 121 from 168 balls as the Panthers racked up 310 against The Basin attack which had no answers.

Panthers' keeper Nathan Hicks has grabbed his opportunity in the first team with fine 82.

A usually subdued Morris said he was seeing the ball well all day. "I just felt that today I have never hit the ball better."

Basin skipper Luke Bowyer performed admirably, taking 6-67 but his side is facing a huge task.

Ferntree Gully (155) is in trouble against the Footballers who are 1-53 at stumps.

Gully opener Mark Teofilo continued his good form with 56 but he was a lone hand and the Blues will need to pull something out of the bag this week.

Knoxfield's Ben Morris was in good touch against competition leaders Upwey Tecoma, striking 93.

The Knights raised just under the 200 mark at the Upwey dome, with Feaver Medallist Sam Taylor taking 3-57.

Monbulk openers Steve Bohun and Jason Simmonds (40) did all the hard yards setting the Hawks up at 2-95 at tea against Johnson Park.

Troy Gstrein, Andrew Gottliebsen and Usman Arif bowled well after the break to restrict Monbulk to 175 in the 79th over, but it was left-armer Liarne Desilva who took the accolades, claiming 4-34 from 16 overs.

Jay Colee (98) fell just short of a ton in Upper Gully's innings of 255 at Belgrave for whom Mick Litterbach took the honours with 5-63.