While the top four face each other this round in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup, it’s the bottom of the table clashes that shape up as the most important.
With two rounds remaining, four teams are split by eight points and all four teams could finish bottom and face relegation.
Wallan sits bottom and is playing second bottom East Sunbury, while Woodend and the Sunbury Kangaroos, the other two teams in the relegation battle, play each other in two-day clashes.
Wallan had a strong day with the bat against the Thunder after being sent in.
Kieran Atkin was at his best at the top of the order, making 114, as the Magpies were bowled out for 254.
Nathan Dent and Chris Watson took three wickets each for the Thunder.
The Thunder had to face three overs at the end of day one.
It was the worst possible result, with Alec Boorsma out for just one. The Thunder will resume at 1-1.
The Sunbury Kangaroos claimed honours on day one against Woodend.
Woodend was bowled out for 207 in the 72nd over with James Morley top scoring with 72.
Jas King took four wickets for the Kangaroos, while Joel Muir, who has returned from premier cricket, took three wickets.
The Kangaroos had to face five overs at the end of the day. They went the attacking route, finishing the day at 1-54.
At the other end of the table, Gisborne has a solid run chase ahead of it against Bacchus Marsh.
The Bulls made 9-218 from their overs.
Ryan Brown, who came in at number nine rescued the innings, making 70 not out. The Bulls had been in trouble at 8-147.
Spencer Jones took 3-62 for the Dragons, who are missing Riley Vernon and Mick Allen.
Romsey again struggled to put a big score on the board against one of the top sides, this time against Sunbury United.
Romsey was bowled out for 180 with Corey Day top scoring with 40.
United shared the wickets, with three players taking two each.
Liam Sherlock was out for a duck for United, which will resume at 1-11.
Diggers Rest Bulla had a good day with the bat against Rupertswood.
After being 3-81, the Burras were bowled out for 286 in the 75th over. Nalaka De Silva top scored with
Kyle Corcoran took three wickets for Rupo.
