He helped his side to an easy victory against newly promoted Knox Gardens which posted 8-158 from its allotted 45 overs.

The dominant Synman, who played eight first class games in South Africa before moving to Melbourne, stole the show in taking 5-31.

He contributed later with the bat belting an unbeaten 68 combining with former Prahran first-X1 player John Traplin (60no) to overhaul the Falcons in the 42nd over with six wickets in hand.

Upper Ferntree Gully surprised Eildon Park after setting a modest target of 133, however, the Panthers were knocked over for just 83 as Steve Collard picked up his best figures with 3-28. Cody Morris was the only Panthers' batsman to reach 30.

Ryan Handley, with 62 and 3-51, assisted Ferntree Gully over the line by nine runs against Johnson Park at the Tew Reserve.

Last season's best under-18 player Jayden Bradbury also chipped in with 36 for the Gully Blues, while Bryn Gaunt with 50 is in good form for Johnson Park which lost its first encounter. The Blues are the only undefeated team in the competition.

Upwey's Dain Howe must have enjoyed his trip to the countryside during last week's washout as he returned with a vengeance clobbering 64no against Belgrave.

The Tigers won by seven wickets despite good performances by Belgrave's Scott Vozzo (66) and Philip Thiele (40no).

Former Casey-South Melbourne leg spinner Aaron Daniel has returned to Rowville with good results against The Basin.

The Hawks were never troubled by the Huntsmen with Daniel scoring 43 and taking 3-36.

New players - Bogar and Morsello - reached half centuries in a good win for the Hawks. In the final game, Monbulk had its first win against St Johns Tecoma by 35 runs.

In Decoite Shield, former Australian U19 player Chris Brittain was dismissed for the first time this season, three runs short of a century against Knoxfield. Footballers finally recorded their first win against the Knights in several seasons.