Reigning premier Echuca crafted a solid platform with its total of 317 runs on day one against Kyabram Fire Brigade.
Matt Hinks led the way with 99, while a half-century from Adam Jones (53) and contributions from Aiden Young (47) and Brendan Moyle (40) taking Echuca past the 300-run mark.
Despite the imposing total, however, Fire Brigade has shown it has the firepower necessary to chase down large totals.
In the previous clash between these two sides, Paul Newman and Daniel Kent’s 129-run opening partnership nearly proved the difference in pursuit of Echuca’s 231.
After a stellar performance with the ball at Cohuna Reserve, ladder leaders Nondies-Cohuna will be looking to capitalise in its match against Echuca South.
Routing the Swans for 85 last Saturday courtesy of miserly bowling from skipper Peter Moore, Nondies-Cohuna chased down the meagre total in 21 overs to claim first-innings points.
Will Wade and Mitch Treacy, both on 19 runs, will resume the innings for the home side at 2-92 as they seek an outright win to maintain the club’s position atop the McMahon Shield ladder.
At Moon Oval, Jordan McGregor’s 32 was one of the only bright points for Moama as it was bundled out for 86 by Rochester.
Jake Wright and Myles Wade were the chief destroyers with four wickets each, but Rochester’s fortunes swung quickly.
Moama’s Matt Saunders blistering opening spell reduced Rochester to 4-29, before a wicket to McGregor saw Rochester close the day’s play at 5-49.
Rochester’s hopes of reeling in the 38 runs required for victory will rest with star all-rounder Sean Williams (21), who will resume the innings with wicket-keeper Pat Arnold at the other end.
The clash between Bamawm-Lockington United and Leitchville-Gunbower is also delicately poised, with BLU requiring another 48 runs for victory.
After dismissing L-G for 100, BLU find themselves sitting on a score of 4-53 with Rathika Rajakumara (26) and James McPhee (0) to resume.
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