Cats get the cream over Crows

by Samuel Laffy

Longwarry (7/109) def. by Catani (5/111)
Matt Coleman's all-round talents again led the way for Catani in their three-wicket win over Longwarry, with his measured knock ensuring victory for the Cats.

Facing a middling target of 7/109, Coleman (37*) and Simon Finger (19) combined for a spritely opening combination – Coleman's ability to pierce the field a highlight – and with George Lineham (26*) chiming in with a handy cameo late in the piece, Catani passed Longwarry with two overs to spare.
Earlier in the day, the Crows' total was made possible by Leigh McDonald – striking an impressive 40* - but his teammates struggled to match.
Bryan Hales (2/5 from 4) and Campbell Hales (2/20 off 4) made regular incisions which halted Longwarry's momentum; the duo's efforts crucial in the Cats' triumph.
Drouin (4/223) def. Yarragon (6/218)
A rollicking contest was on offer for supporters of Drouin and Yarragon on Saturday, with the Hawks able to snatch a five-run win over the Panthers in a game where bat well and truly dominated ball.
Drouin – as they tend to on their home soil – utilised the confines of the Bellbird Park back oval superbly, a host of hard-hitting knocks helping them post an intimidating 4/223.
However, the Panthers seemed unperturbed by the sizeable total as Stu Anderson (50*) and Michael Gnaden (35) combined for an excellent opening stand.
Ben Asplin (48) chimed in with an invaluable supporting knock, but just as Yarragon were within reach of victory he had his stumps splayed by Trevor Robertson, leaving the Panthers just short at 6/218.
Trafalgar (2/75) def. Ellinbank (71)
The Ships sailed to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Ellinbank in their division five clash, with the experienced practitioners in the side proving far too accomplished for their opponents.
Only Steven Tumino (19) and Peter Felstead (12) were able to have an impact with the bat as Erin Macfarlane ran riot through the Eagles' middle and lower order, allowing Trafalgar to dismiss them for just 71.
In reply, John Asmussen (38*) and Colin Parnall (27) added 55 for the opening stand to put the result beyond doubt, the Ships reaching 2/75 in the 14th over.
Neerim District (0/69) vs Hallora (2/151)
In another contest impacted by the inclement weather, Hallora and Neerim District played out a draw in their clash, although the Kangaroos were undoubtedly in the box seat when play was abandoned.
On the back of a swaggering half-century from Mahesh Senadheera and a somewhat watchful knock from Chris Youngman (39* from 75 balls), Hallora made their way to 2/151 from 30 overs; a total likely to challenge the Stags.
In reply, Neerim's innings was a tale of contrast with Marc Tymkin blasting a superb unbeaten 54* and Noah Bolton (3* from 52 deliveries) absorbing pressure at the other end.
Together they took the total to 0/69 in the 20th over before play was finally curtailed.
Jindivick vs Western Park (1/43)
Whilst both sides were undermanned due to various unavailabilities, the elements eventually had the final say in Jindivick's clash with Western Park, the two sides sharing the points after just a handful of overs were possible.
Chris Wettenhall (20 from 25) impressed at the top of the order, whilst Lachlan Perry (10*) provided able support.
However, just nine overs of play were possible before conditions became unplayable, the Warriors 1/43 at the close of play.