by Samuel Laffy
Catani (0/51) vs Western Park (134)
Across their triumphant threepeat Western Park have been undefeated in two-day cricket, with the Warriors' ability to dig deep and fightback from any game situation providing them an air of almost invincibility.
But, entering day two of their top-of-the-table clash with Catani, Western Park will need to play almost perfectly to emerge victorious as the Cats require just 84 more runs.
Batting first, the Warriors' Gavin Roulston (39) was watchful early but against Daniel Glover began to expand his strokeplay.
Two boundaries began the over – both balls powerfully pulled through the leg-side – whilst a glorious six over mid-wicket ended it as the scoreboard ticked over to 0/51.
However, the slightly two-paced nature of the pitch meant that those beginning their innings struggled to feel comfortable.
Indeed, Greg Munro (2 off 4) and Sanjaya Gangodawila (0 from 10) both departed to uncharacteristic strokes, whilst Joel Batson (a 9-ball 2) fell to a stunning diving catch by Daniel Vela.
Sam Batson (a classy 32) and Zane Harper (a patient 23) brought a sense of calm to proceedings, and they added 47 runs for the sixth wicket, but as Vela (4/31 off 11.2) constantly challenged the batters' defensive techniques Western Park were only able to make 134 before being dismissed.
Left with 22 overs to face out, onlookers knew that the Warriors would turn to their lethal spin attack and Jason Croft, Roulston, and Ellis Whiteford featured heavily as the afternoon progressed.
However, despite their best efforts Cody Miller (11* from 66) and Ned Harrison (a magnificent 32*) were up to the test, and they took Catani to 0/51 at stumps.
The Cats' Cam Brown was full of praise for his side at the close of play but also was realistic about the work that still needs to be done.
"(It was) a great first day, but still plenty of cricket to be played. Dan and Mitch were unreal and Cody and Riley bowled really well too. Our attitude all day was terrific," he said.

Drouin (179) vs Longwarry (3/23)
Whilst it may only be round five of a 14-round summer, Drouin's clash with Longwarry was identified pre-game by many WDCA followers are one of particular importance, the Hawks needing to win to ensure they kept pace with the top four.
And, despite not taking advantage of a number of encouraging starts from their top and middle order, Drouin roared back into favouritism to take out the win in a nine-over late-afternoon spell that saw them reduce the Crows to 3/23 at stumps, still requiring 165 to win.
Liam Webb (3/33 from 13) provided challenges for the Drouin top order with the new Kookaburra, but Paul Timewell and Trevor Gardiner were up to the task, and their 48-run opening stand provided excitement for the Hawks' faithful.
Brayden Notman (38 from 47) briefly threatened to take the game away from Longwarry – his typically aggressive strokeplay on full display – whilst James Wilcock (27) and Ben Spicer (31) provided support.
Credit to the Crows' attack though, as Jonah Serong (3/41 off 13) and Brayden Chandler (2/23 from 9) fought back valiantly.
They ensured that Drouin weren't able to truly capitalise on their positive start, dismissing them for 179 in the 68th over.
Longwarry were left with nine overs to face out and would have hoped that at worst they might lose one wicket before being able to shut up shop for the afternoon, but those hopes were dashed by some inspired new ball bowling.
Troy Lehman (1/11) breached the defences of Vidusha Hettiarachchige Don in the first over of the Crows' pursuit, and Simon Gardiner demolished the stumps of Randall Mitchell just four balls later.
Yash Samarasinghe (11*) and Matthew Aslett (6) calmed proceedings somewhat, but Wilcock castled Aslett just before stumps to leave Longwarry reeling.
Speaking post-game, Wilcock was optimistic about his side's chances of clinching victory next weekend.
"We were really happy to be sent in on what looked like a great wicket, and our opening partnership set the tone for the day. A special mention goes to Paul Timewell, who stepped up to open at short notice," he said.
"We knew the last nine overs before stumps would be crucial, so to finish the day with three wickets in the bag was a great effort and a really positive way to head into next week."

Hallora (285) vs Iona (yet to bat)
Having endured a torrid start to the summer, Halloran faithful would no doubt have been nervous early in their clash against Iona as Jesse Depasquale wreaking havoc in an excellent opening spell that had the Kangaroos 3/27.
On a wicket offering early assistance to those able to maintain a disciplined line-and-length, the Swamp Tigers' pacer first removed Brayden Hunter – out for o edging behind to Zac O'Hara – with Andrew Donohue (out is similar fashion) and Gamini Kumara (clean-bowled) his next victims. At this stage of proceedings Iona would have begun to imagine bundling out their opponents and setting themselves up for a chance at their first win of the season.
However, Hallora's Brett Williams was willing to absorb more early pressure and anchor the Kangaroos' innings and he combined with Mitchell Smith (a sublime 56) to rebuild.
Jackson Clerks (2/31 from 11) provided able support to Depasquale, but as the afternoon progressed and the fielding side somewhat wilted under the bright sun, Hallora began to accelerate.
James Williams (62 from 81) was at his dynamic best in the lower order, and Grant Duncan (a boundary-filled 22) provided endless frustration in a 68-run ninth-wicket stand that ensured the Swamp Tigers would be facing an intimidating run-chase – the scoreboard reading 285 at the conclusion of 80 overs.

Trafalgar (99) vs Ellinbank (1/36)
It was a case of another week, another changed line-up for Trafalgar in division one, with the chopping and changing nature of their squad seeing them struggle against Ellinbank.
Indeed – as noted by Liam Durkin – the dearth of available players saw a surprise appearance.
"Jackson Noonan came back a lot earlier than he was meant to, but we had no choice but to play him. He was bowled off a few steps before stumps, although both ankles were heavily strapped," he said.
Their innings began in the worst possible fashion as Durkin was trapped in front first ball of the innings and Louis Hennessy had his stumps disturbed not long after, both dismissed by the dangerous Thomas Keily (who finished with 2/29 from 13 quality overs).
Alex McKenna (a watchful 39 from 120) launched an excellent rearguard innings, and together with Aiden George (25 off 65) ensured that there would be no rapid collapse.
Jack Pandolfo (a superb spell of 3/16) and Curtis Howell (who was nigh on unplayable on his way to 4/15 off 12.1) never relented their pressure however, and the slow rate of scoring eventually proved too much.
The last six wickets fell for just 15 runs as Trafalgar were dismissed for 99 in the 52nd over, the Eagles pressing home their advantage strongly.
With 25 overs to face out the Ellinbank mostly adopted a cautious approach to their pursuit – although Matt Brewer briefly threatened to accelerate proceedings before being dismissed via stunning one-handed snatch by Michael Fitchett at short fine-leg.
Euan Hurst (10*) and Sean Masterson (14*) were able to survive the remaining overs though as the Eagles reached 1/36 at stumps.