Gully skipper Shane Richardson sent the Sharks into bat and they lost a wicket in the first over.

The Sharks struggled for the rest of the innings to be dismissed for 146. Only former Hawthorn-Monash University batsman Bryn Gaunt looked dangerous until Richardson trapped him in front for 42.

For the Blues, Mark Butters consistently beat the bat to take 4-51. He was well supported by Richardson (3-20) who took vital wickets.

The Gully was forced to bat for 55 minutes and was 0-22 at stumps, on track for their first win of the season.

Elsewhere, Upwey belted 313 against The Basin at the Dome, with experienced campaigners Matt Mulcahy (68) and Sam Taylor (132) forming the backbone of the innings. Taylor is the leading run scorer in the competition and is quickly approaching 500 runs for the season.

Footballers chased leather all day at Pickett Reserve as Upper Gully plundered 6-328 with Paul ‘Lenn’ Henry cracking a mighty 132.

Henry received good support from Daniel Beyer (44), Marc Hardy (56 not out), and Dean Roberts (38 not out). Footballers are long overdue for a big score, but it’s difficult to see where the runs will come against the Kings bowling line-up.

Eildon Park’s opening batsman Cody Morris scored his second century of the year with 109 against Monbulk. Aided by 60 from brother Ben, the Panthers had a day out compiling 316 in what should be another win. Leg spinner Blake Walter worked tirelessly for a return of 6-85.

At Belgrave, the home side restricted the Knoxfield Knights to 9-218 as Michael Litterbach (3-40) continues to impress. Scott Vozzo, also having a good season took 4-56 while Evans (56) and Bendigo Country Week skipper Trent Scholfield (32) helped set up what should be an interesting tussle next week with the Knights eyeing off the four.

For full scores, click on the Scoreboard link, top right.