Ashfield produced one of its best performances with the bat for the season as it looked to open its account in Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B grade.
Against fourth-placed Macedon, which was coming off probably its best weekend for the season, Ashfield managed 8-209 from its 80 overs.
The score was Ashfield’s second-highest in a tough season for the club, which is without a win in B grade.
Skipper Ryan Pretty, promoted to the top of the order, enjoyed the chance to face the new ball, making 53.
At 5-119, it looked like another low score could be on the cards for Ashfield, but Mark Muir and Corey Woolley dug in.
Muir joined Pretty in making 53, while Woolley made 28 not out.
Ollie Clough was the best of the bowlers for Macedon with 3-41.
Sunbury United and Wallan also enjoyed the batting conditions to post big scores.
Third-placed United again showed its batting prowess making 8-284 from its overs against Bacchus Marsh, which sits just outside the top four.
For United, Ryan Billinghurst made 77 and skipper Steve Grey hit 57.
Thomas Wardell took four wickets for the Bulls, but was expensive, going at just under five runs an over.
Wallan is looking to all but end the small finals hopes of St Anthonys.
The Magpies, who are second on the ladder, put on 258 after being in trouble at 5-61. Scott Gilchrist top scored with 62 runs batting at No.7. Brad Regan contributed a handy 59.
In the most evenly poised match after day one, ladder leader Lancefield is taking on East Sunbury.
The Thunder has started to find some form; a win and other results falling its way could see it remain in the finals mix.
Lancefield made 166, bowled out with 25 overs still to bat.
Skipper Luke Barker top scored with 61, but he had little support, with only two other players reaching double figures.
It was the Thunder’s young brigade that did the damage with the ball, with Jaxon Mobilio, Lachlan Brne and Lachlan Wilkins taking three wickets each.
Thunder then had to face 12 overs at the end of day, losing the wicket of Liam Sherlock. It will resume at 1-26. Shannon McDorman is 11 not out and Jack Dillon has yet to score.
In C grade, Sunbury United and Gisborne produced big scores.
United, which is looking for its third win of the season, made 344 against Blackwood.
The Dragons made 7-256 against fellow finals hopeful Sunbury.
Other sides in the top four, Riddell and Kyneton, are in evenly poised matches against Woodend and Romsey.
