Merrifield Panthers strong form has continued in the North North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield.
The Panthers sit atop the table with one loss for the season and again piled on the runs of day one with their clash with Gladstone Park.
Panthers president Harmandeep Bhathal said things were going really well.
“We are on top of the ladder and we should win this week,” he said. “We have lost just one game for the season.”
On Saturday, the Panthers made 296 as they were bowled out in the 61st over after being sent in.
Tarun Gupta top scored with 98 after coming in at number eight.
Bhathal, who is also the first XI captain, said it was a really good score in challenging conditions with many matches across Melbourne called off.
“We’re very happy, especially in those conditions,” he said. “It was skiddy and raining all day.
“We were at 6-136 before Tarun came in and hit seven fours and seven sixes. Hopefully we can defend that.”
Rahul Mall took five wickets for the Burras, while Gurpartap Singh took three.
The Panthers will then finish the regular season against the Chargers, who will also play finals. The Darebin Chargers and Tarneit Central are also set to play finals. Tarneit will only miss out if Kealba Green-Gully can pull off a miracle.
Meanwhile, the Panthers T20 campaign came to an end on Tuesday night in the semi finals.
The Darebin Chargers made 5-183.
The Panthers could only manage 7-169 in reply to end their campaign. Dhruv Poojari Redhu top scored with 68.
Bhathal said they were beaten by a good side that played better on the day. Brunswick is the other side through to the grand final.
Things have been going well across the club, with all their sides, both seniors and juniors, in positions to play finals.
He said with their senior program so new, they couldn’t have asked for much more from them.
“We’ve on top and we have the momentum going,” he said. “We can not expect any more.
“We’ve lost one game and are playing some good cricket.”
In the Vic Kyte Shield, Lalor Stars were 1-60 off 15 overs against RMIT when that game was called off.
Northern Lions made 178 against the Chargers before having the Chargers in trouble at 6-97.
In the Athol Attwater Shield, Hume made 283 against Genesis.
