The top four in the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield are getting away from the rest of the pack after 11 rounds.
Defending premier Rivergum has all but secured top spot, sitting 20 points clear of second-placed North Brunswick/Rosebank, which has Lalor Warriors hot on its heels.
Keon Park is fourth, 10 points clear of Olympic Colts and Darebin Chargers.
Rivergum’s dominance was again on show on Saturday, leaving it well on the way to victory over Holy Trinity.
Holy Trinity managed 160 and Rivergum was 1-79 at stumps.
Keon Park has the upper hand after day one of its clash with Lalor Warriors, its batsmen enjoying good conditions after the toss was won.
Ryan Docherty continued his good form with 66 and captain Steven Nicholson made 52 at the top of the order as Keon Park reached stumps at 200 all out.
North Brunswick/Rosebank is in control against Olympic Colts after making 9-276 on day one.
Darebin Chargers are 4-72 in reply to Preston YCW District’s 175.
In the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Barclay Shield, Plenty is well on its way to victory against Research/Eltham Collegians.
After keeping the Combine down to 160, Plenty will resume at 0-123 on day two after openers Scott Keane (60) and Darren Connelley (53) took control.
Epping’s good form of late continued against Bundoora United.
With six batsmen scoring 25 or more, Epping went on to make 238, opener Anthony Licovski top-scoring with 50.
United will resume at 0-12 .
Old Paradians/St Francis has a fight on its hands to salvage anything from the match against North Eltham Wanderers.
After the bowlers did their jobs well to dismiss Wanderers for 155, Old Paradians/St Francis will resume on the second day at 5-55.
Bundoora will be looking for runs on day two of its clash with Diamond Creek, which made 9-215 off its overs.
In the Money Shield, finals contenders Lalor Stars and Mernda had good days with the bat, making 9-263 and 202 respectively.
In Northern Region’s T20 comp, which involves clubs from both the NMCA and DVCA, the semi-finalists have been decided. Rivergum plays Lower Eltham and Riverside faces Greensborough on February 3.
