Batting first on a synthetic wicket at Hughes Park, the Vikings were bowled out for 118 with Knights bowlers Meveryn Porage (5-37) and Andrew Milton (3-35) leading the charge and Viking batsman Matthew Fyfe (40) top scoring.

But the Knights' reply was stricken by the Vikings bowler Josh Holden (3-21), who left them at 4-62 at stumps with Chris Noy (13 not out) and Shane Findlay (19 not out) ready to resume this Saturday. Knights secretary Graeme Milton said the Knights were quietly confident they could make the remaining runs after bowling so well at the start of the day.

Wantirna South batted against East Ringwood and finished on 6-313cc. At 4-114, the game could have swung both ways. But with Matthew King (166) and Adam Gawne (36) sharing a fifth-wicket partnership of 122 and Jason Walsh (51no) contributing at the end, the Devils have made what looks like a matchwinning score.

North Ringwood sent Mooroolbark in to bat and the Barkers soon lost wickets at a rapid rate. Luke Ridgwell (4-47) was the main destroyer. At 8-100, Matt Whittaker (31) along with the tail took Mooroolbark's final score to 162. The Bulls will resume next week at 1-22.

With a number of Bayswater Park batsmen getting a start, none could go on with it and the Sharks finished all out for 222 against South Warrandyte. The Hawks were 0-16 at stumps in reply.

Warranwood batted out their overs against Wonga Park and compiled 244. Todd Cordwell (76) top scored and Ross Little (5-61) took bowling honours.

South Croydon's decision to send in Croydon Ranges paid dividends early, when they had the home side at 6-90. But Matthew Hanlon (57) helped get the Kookaburras to a final score of 203. South Croydon will resume at 1-41.

-Roy Ward and Tony Smith