By Tara Murray
Laurimar upset Epping in the second round of the Northern Region T20 competition on Tuesday night.
Despite sitting two grades below Epping, the Power was able to come away with the win in a thriller.
The Pingers, who are looking to defend their title, made 7-106 with Laurimar making the runs in the final over.
Mernda got its first win of the competition, beating Thomastown United in the other group five match.
Thomastown United made 8-115 off its overs with Dulanga Lakmal top scoring with 50 not out.
Mernda made the runs with four balls to spare, finishing 5-117.
The results leave all four teams in group five sitting on one win apiece, meaning a spot in the finals will go down to the line.
Lalor Stars remains the only undefeated team in group four after beating Rivergum.
The Kookas made a more than competitive 7-139 from their overs, with skipper Matt Perri top scoring with 44.
The Stars had little trouble in getting the runs, finishing 0-141 off 13.1 overs. Aaron Amos put on a show, making 87 not out, including seven fours and five sixes.
Mill Park was the other winner in group four, beating Whittlesea.
Adam McLaughlin continued his good form with the bat from the Tigers, belting 92 as Mill Park made 9-157.
Whittlesea’s guest player, Jordan Buckingham took 3-19 to be the pick of the bowlers.
The Eagles fell well short, making 7-128. Braydon Avola top scored with 28.
In group six, Bundoora remains undefeated after a big win against Donath.
Donath was bowled out for 81 with seven balls remaining.
Connor Rutland took 2-4 off his two overs.
Rutland was out early for the Bulls, but it didn’t make a difference as they made the runs with seven and a half overs remaining.
The Bulls finished 1-85, with Nick Caracella top scoring with 28 not out.
Bundoora Park was the other winner in group six, beating Preston YCW District.
After making 6-138, Bundoora Park bowled Preston YCW District out for 128 with two balls remaining.
In group seven, all four teams have one win after two rounds.
On Tuesday night, Bundoora United opened its account against the Cobras.
The Cobras made 8-138 from its overs, with Ricky Lee taking 4-21.
The Bulldogs made 6-142 with nearly three overs to spare. Skipper Scott Barnett led the way with the bat, making 52 not out.
Old Paradians also opened its account, beating Riverside.
Riverside made 8-124 with Old Paradians putting in a strong batting performance to finish 5-125 off 16.1 overs.
Other winners were, Heidelberg, Diamond Creek, North Eltham Wanderers, Eltham, Lower Eltham, Research Eltham Collegians, Holy Trinity, Preston Baseballers, Old Ivanhoe, Rosanna.
The next round of the Northern Region T20 competition is on December 10.
