It was a case of round two in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association on Saturday.
The fixture for the top grades meant sides kicked off 2025 against the sides they finished 2024 against.
While the final round before Christmas was a one-dayer, the new year started with a two-day clash.
In the Barclay Shield, Epping is hoping to get one back against Bundoora United.
Both sides sit just outside the top four, making the match an important one in the context of the season.
Epping finished its overs at 9-161. Liam Henkel top scored with 35 not out.
Thilina Herath took 4-53 for the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, fourth placed Bundoora is on top against Macleod.
The Bulls bowled Macleod out for 141 in the 65th over.
Shupinder Taggar took 5-24
Bundoora finished the day at 4-55
Harkaran Gujral will resume on 41 not out, as the rest of the batters struggled.
In the Money Shield, Lalor Stars set a big total for Rosebank.
The Stars made 8-273 with Riley Scott (77) and Jordan Steele (83) doing the damage in the middle order.
Bundoora Park will need to chase down Lower Eltham’s 6-265 if it’s to claim the points.
Bronson Hill took three wickets for the Thunderbolts.
In the Money Shield, there are plenty of runs on the board after day one.
Mernda continued its good form, making 9-232 against Rivergum.
The Demons handed the Kookas their first loss in the last game of last year.
Michael Edwards made 126 for the Demons, while Daniel Young took four wickets for the Kookas.
Laurimar is 2-21 in reply to Dennis’ 184. Travis Baker took three wickets for the Power.
Thomastown will resume at 1-20 in reply to Hurstbridge’s 269.
Saahil Bhatnagar took five wickets for Thomastown.
Mill Park will need 300 for victory against Panton Hill, after Panton Hill was bowled out for 299.
Thomastown United finished the day at 7-128 against South Morang, with only 50 overs having been bowled.
