The Knights were in trouble early on day one at 4-49 but a fifth-wicket partnership of 125 between Merwan Porage (150) and James Belli (48) turned the game.

This partnership, plus Karnel Ahmet's (44) contribution at the end, saw Croydon North finish on 329.

Vernon Abraham (3-41) and Eamon Costello (3-55) bowled tirelessly for the Kookaburras who chase the Knights' total this Saturday.

Mooroolbark's Matt Whittaker (3-12) reduced Wantirna South to 4-15 early, with three wickets in his fifth over. Jarrod Runge (6-59) continued the destruction, to see the Devils all out for 117. The Barkers will resume this week at 3-85 and should get the points.

South Croydon could not get going against Norwood, losing wickets consistently throughout the day to be all out for 131 off 50 overs. Chris Irvine (4-19) was the main wicket taker. At 5-56, the Vikings' remaining batsmen will find the going tough this week.

Bayswater Park's Will Evans (121) and Adam Waite (51) shared an opening partnership of 164 against Wonga Park.

The Sharks then lost 10-104, to finish on 268. Mark Dunk (4-50) was Wonga's best with the ball.

Warranwood's Cameron Moore (6-42) took the days bowling honours against South Warrandyte. Coming together at 4-49, the Hawks' Steve Garrett (82) and David Hill (46) shared a 105-run, fifth-wicket partnership to set the Sharks a chase of 227 this week.

East Ringwood batted steadily throughout the day against North Ringwood, but lost four wickets with the score on 146. Nathan Stewart (57) and Scott Hill (30) were the main stays and with the tail wagging, saw the Roos through to 207. Luke Ridgewell (4-68) was North Ringwood's shining light with the ball.