By Tara Murray
There is a log jam at the top of the table in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield with four rounds remaining.
The top five sides all sit equal on 30 points, with Mill Park sitting a game back and still in finals contention.
The closeness of the competition means every result is vital in the run home, with a loss possibly costing a finals spot.
It showed on Saturday, with the top two teams both suffering losses which brought the Stars well and truly into the mix.
The Stars had little trouble in their victory against Old Paradians.
Chasing 153, the Stars resumed at 1-66 with Aaron Amos on 41 not out.
The Stars made the runs just four wickets down, finishing 4-154 with 30 overs still remaining. Amos anchored the innings, making 72.
Mill Park slipped down the table with a loss to shock loss to Lower Plenty.
The Tigers needed some early wickets with Lower Plenty resuming at 2-53 in reply to 158. The wickets didn’t come, with Lower Plenty cruising at 2-102.
The loss of three quick wickets gave Mill Park some hope, but it wasn’t to be.
Lower Plenty finished 5-162 Rayan Williams and Saif Ahmed took two wickets each for the Tigers.
PHOTO GALLERY: Lalor Stars vs Old Paradians
Bundoora United fell short against Montmorency in a possible finals match up.
Resuming at 0-4 in reply to 224, the Bulldogs took the game down to the wire but just fell short.
After being in trouble at 4-46, the Bulls fought back through the middle order and continued to push the runs.
The Bulldogs ran out of wickets and time, all out for 216. Conlan Gunn was the standout with the bat, making 72. Third placed Eltham had a big win against bottom side Mernda.
The Demons fell well short, bowled out for 124 in reply to 9-175.
In the shock of the round, top side Banyule lost to Research Eltham Collegians, bowled out for just 103.
In the Barclay Shield, Epping got the win it was after against bottom side Bundoora.
Having made 6-245 on day one, the Pingers were hoping to make some early inroads with the ball. The Bulls managed to put on 39 for the opening partnership, but it started to go wrong from there. The Pingers took 10-36 to have the Bulls all out for 75.
The Pingers sit third.
In the Mash Shield, South Morang were defeated outright by Diamond Creek. Having conceded first innings points on day one, the Lions were unable to avoid the big loss.
Hurstbridge and was too good for Thomastown, Greensborough defeated Bundoora Park, Thomastown United’s big total was too much for Laurimar and Whittlesea beat Panton Hill.
