Cricketers swapped their multi-coloured clothing for whites for the first of the two-day McIntyre Cup matches in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
Batsmen enjoyed the change of pace, with two posting centuries and a third making 99 in the top grade.
Veteran Warren Else starred for Woodend, making 116 against Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve.
Woodend was in trouble early at 3-47, before playing coach Michael Nalesnyik and Else got going in a 61-run stand.
Else was joined at the crease by youngster Thomas Boyer when Nalesnyik was dismissed for 34.
Boyer, who’s still playing under-17s as well, showed maturity as he and Else put on 117 for the fifth wicket.
With Else gone, Woodend continued on to 7-259, Boyer making 49.
Jay King was best of the bowlers with 3-63.
A Michael Treweek century guided Rupertswood to 8-241 against Romsey, Treweek making 102 at the top of the order to help his side to a competitive total.
Rupo’s innings followed a familiar pattern with the loss of an early wicket before Treweek and skipper Mark Ryan put on 102 for the second wicket.
After the loss of Ryan, Rupo lost frequent wickets on their way to 241.
Jamie Taylor took three wickets for Romsey.
Diggers Rest Bulla’s batsmen found form in a big way: a massive 324 against Riddell.
Steven Fogarty was the star with 99, before being bowled by a cracker delivery from Matthew Livingstone.
Playing coach Kevin Barker was next best of the batsmen with 51, while seven teammates made 22 or more.
Heath Wadden took three wickets for Riddell.
The other match is a low-scoring affair, with Bacchus Marsh on track for victory against Sunbury.
The Bulls bowled Sunbury out for just 118, Madushanka Ekanayaka taking 4-36.
Max Scott played a lone hand for Sunbury, making 56; the next-highest score was extras. Four batsmen made ducks.
In reply, the Bulla were 2-59 at stumps. Peter Lalor made 39, while Heath Boffey and Stephen Treweek took a wicket each.
