By Tara Murray
The battle for top spot in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts is evenly poised after day one of the match between St Anthonys and Rupertswood.
The two best sides all season, just over four points separated St Anthonys and Rupertswood heading into the second last round of the season.
Both sides had periods of dominance on day one, with Rupertswood bowled out for 199.
Rupo started well and were travelling nicely at 2-70 before some quick wickets put the Saints back in the game.
Rupo’s lower order added some much-needed runs as they pushed the score towards 200.
Jack Hudd top-scored with 38 before being run out, while Michael Treweek made 37, coming in at number three.
The Saints had to face four overs at the end of the day, and finished 0-10 at stumps.
Photo Gallery: Rupertswood vs St Anthonys
Ashfield did its hopes of sneaking into the top four no harm.
Needing to win and have other results go its way, fifth-placed Ashfield is poised to cause an upset against third-placed Riddell.
Riddell was bowled out for 168, with youngster Samuel Dempsey doing most of the damage making 84.
Joel Muir was the pick of the bowlers for Ashfield, taking 3-18 off five overs.
Ashfield started well with the bat and will resume at 1-37.
Corey Woolley (16) and Nathan Crosland (3) are the not out batsmen.
East Sunbury finds itself in a similar position to Ashfield, after day one of its match with Gisborne.
The Thunder bowled Gisborne out for 182 in the 54th over. Matthew McDonald top scored with 35.
Cody McDorman took 5-67 for the Thunder, with Lachie Wilkins chipping in with three wickets.
The Thunder will resume at 1-38 as they look for their third win of the season. Jack Dillon and Josh Smith are the not out batsmen, on 14 and nine respectively.
Bacchus Marsh needs victory against Eynesbury Eagles to cement its spot in the top four.
The Bulls, the team likely to fall out of the top four if Ashfield breaks in, are in control after day one against the winless Eagles.
The Bulls made 9-232 with Drew Colster top scoring with 42. Six players got starts, scoring at least 24.
Brandon Shearson and Jason Tardrew took three wickets each for the Eagles.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lancefield-keeps-hopes-alive/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/bowlers-go-on-attack-for-sunbury-and-wallan/
