The Falcons batted first and looked to be well on their way when their first wicket fell with 72 on the board.

After the fall of the fourth wicket at 126, 16-year-old spinner Corey Brasher was introduced to the attack and proceeded to take 5-18 runs in only his second Knox Tavern Cup game. The Falcons finished their innings at 9-185.

The Saints were struggling early at 3-39 before opener Dean Palandri (95 not out) and Kyle Chandler (44) settled the ship with a 114-run partnership.

With nine required for victory off the last over, Palandri struck a four off the first ball. With just two singles off the next four balls, the Saints required three runs off the last ball. With the field spread, Pandari managed to hit the long-on fence, winning it for the Saints.

Reigning premiers Ferntree Gully got off to a strong start with an emphatic victory over Lysterfield.

The Beavers batted first and found the going hard against Ferntree Gully's bowling line-up, setting the Blues a target of 125. In reply, Ferntree Gully was cruising, finishing the day on 3-189.

Ryan Handley top-scored with 91 before being dismissed backing up too far. Handy knocks came from Mark Teofilo and Matthew Black, who both compiled 40s.

Batsmen dominated the game at Belgrave with both teams losing four wickets in a game decided in the second-last over of the day.

Batting first, Rowville posted 4-191 with Tate Bergman (55no), supported by Bogar (40) and Guest (32). In the Magpies' chase, Leigh Newey made 53 (no), with Scott Vozzo and Ben Carnell both reaching the thirties.

It was a different story at Upwey, with 20 wickets falling for the day.

It seemed that Monbulk had the Tigers' measure at 6-32 with new recruit Matt Mulcahy back in the shed for 0. However, Upwey fought back with Leigh Bianchi (32) top-scoring.

The Tigers' attack of Bianchi, Wilson, and Cross kept the Hawks hunting before Brendan Heath took 3-0 to seal victory.

Runners-up last season, Eildon Park posted a strong win over The Basin with the Morris brothers, Ben (57) and Cody (31) supporting Shane Cosstick's 4-15.

Bryn Gaunt (88) led the way for Johnson Park to take the points over Upper Ferntree Gully, despite a spell of 4-15 by Jay Colee.

In Decoite Shield, Knoxfield was too strong for Auravale, South Belgrave defeated Mountain Gate and Footballers chased down Knox to take the chocolates.

See Scoreboard on this website for all results.