With most captains choosing to bat after winning the toss, a score of 220-plus is the usual pass mark at this time of year.

In a replay of last year's semi-final, Rowville started cautiously against Johnson Park at Fairpark and after two hours at the crease was just 2-68. However, wickets in hand at the tea break was the key, with No.3 batsman Tate Burgmann striking 78, ably supported by opener and skipper Phil Gillespie (68).

The Hawks were solid at 9-277 at stumps. For the Sharks, Steve Bowen bowled well to take 3-29 to set up what should be an entertaining game this weekend.

After losing its opening one-dayer, Belgrave bounced back to register 9-289 at home against The Basin.

The stars for the Magpies were Scott Vozzo (68), returning after a year in the RDCA, Benny Carnell (54) and the consistent Leigh Newey (48).

Upwey, 9-262, was impressive at home to StJohn's Tecoma. Feaver medallist Dain Howe was adjudged LBW on 97 and Brenton Hurst contributed 68 to a total that may be enough.

Mt Gate struggled against the Eildon Park combination of Mick Sinclair (5-25) and Aaron Powell (4-31), with only Brendan Heath (36) showing any fight.

The Panthers were 1-27 at close of play and the Gators have a lot of work ahead.

Upper Gully never regained its composure after being 5-55 in the local derby against Ferntree Gully. The Kings were 150 all out, with a rear-guard action from left-hander Jay Colee (42 not out) after returning from Monbulk.

Monbulk captain Jason Fraser ran out of overs in pursuit of a century when he steered his team to a steady 6-230 against newly promoted Lysterfield. Fraser was unbeaten on 91.

In Decoite Shield, Auravale scored a massive 347 against Upwey, which may need to bat twice to reach that target.

Lakers batsman Anthony scored a ton with plenty of support, while Lynch picked up five wickets for Upwey.

Eildon Park batted all day against Footballers for 191 with former South Belgrave player Damien Hart top scoring with 59 in an innings that should see him push for senior selection next game.

Knox Gardens, 6-174, is well on top against Ferntree Gully, which was bundled out for just 61.

Falcons bowler Young took six scalps and his team will charge for maximum points in what has been a great start to the season.

Knox performed strongly to post 274 in a good team performance against Lysterfield, with Carland taking 6-38.