Gladstone Park slipped into dangerous territory in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield after a five-wicket loss to Buckley Park at the weekend.
The two Parks went into the match equal on 30 points and third and fourth on the ladder.
Buckley Park’s win gave it six points and an eight-point buffer over fifth-ranked Sydenham/Hillside, with two matches to play before finals.
Gladstone Park remains in the top four by two points, with games against Strathmore Heights and ladder leader Kealba/Green Gully to come.
On day one of the clash, Gladstone Park was rolled for 160 in 68.5 overs, with Buckley Park’s five bowlers sharing the load.
And on day two Buckley Park was in control for much of the day. Daniel Moloney (31) and James Anthony (12) put on 46 for the first wicket before Elliott Massina (56) and skipper John Markham (28) ensured Buckley Park reached the target for five wickets.
In the Keith Stringer Shield, Craigieburn held on to top spot on the ladder despite of a shock thumping by Flemington Colts.
Unbeaten Craigieburn began the round 12 match a mammoth 25 points ahead of second-placed Northern Lions and needed to chase only 142 for victory, a manageable total given their results this season.
But they were rolled for 57 in 41.3 overs. Richard Baker (4-22) led the way while the two Grants, Baker and McArthur, each snared two wickets from minimal overs.
Northern Lions failed in their chase of 196 against Buckley Park, skittled for 179 , while Westmeadows suffered a similar fate chasing Gowanbrae’s 157, bowled out eight runs short for 149.
In the NWCA Shield, Greenvale remains atop the ladder despite a 23-run loss to Royal Park Reds. Chasing 225, Greenvale managed 202 in 53.4 overs.
Travis Dulic’s 101 not out led the way as Glenroy got an easy seven-wicket win against East Coburg in the Clint McKay Shield. Chasing 195, Glenroy got there in 25 overs after a superb 155-run opening stand between Dulic and wicketkeeper Reyce Toll (44).
