For a while on Saturday it didn’t look like Epping or Bundoora would take to the field, with water covering the Epping Recreation Reserve wicket.
Some hard work by Epping club members eventuated in a delayed start, the effort made worthwhile when Epping secured the upper hand after day one.
Bundoora crumbled in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield fixture to be bowled out for 108, with only three players making double figures.
Andrew Fairchild and Jason Kaminski top scored for Bundoora with 24 apiece. Adam Fletcher and Billy McKeown took two wickets each for Epping, which will resume at 0-4.
Epping coach John Lever said his side was surprised by Bundoora’s decision to bat first.
“It was definitely handy bowling first,” he said. “There was a little bit in the wicket and our bowlers bowled really well.
“If we can’t chase down this total, we don’t deserve to win.”
Epping has experienced an inconsistent start to the season.
“We have a young group and it was always going to take time,” Lever said.
“We are improving and the side is starting to gel. The improvement in our batting has been the biggest thing.”
He said the side wasn’t looking too far ahead but a finals berth was in the club’s sights.
Plenty is in the box seat after day one of its clash with Lower Eltham.
After sending Lower Eltham in, Plenty’s bowlers had a field day, bowling the opposition out for 89.
Andrew Villani was the best of the bowlers with 3-12.
Plenty will resume at 1-41 in reply.
Bundoora United’s bowlers were also on fire, bowling Diamond Creek out for 106, with Scott Barnett taking 4-23.
United lost a couple of wickets late on day one and will resume at 2-18.
Old Paradians/St Francis is looking to avoid an outright defeat against Research/Eltham Collegians.
Chasing 4-175, Old Paradians/St Francis was bowled out for 82. Forced to follow on, the club is 0-30 in its second innings.
In the Money Shield, Mernda will be after early wickets against Banyule. After making 114, Mernda had Banyule at 3-18 at stumps.
Lalor Stars will resume at 5-53 chasing Greensborough’s 91, while Mill Park and Camrea Taipans were unable to take to the park because of a wet pitch.
