LADDER leader Seville fell to its first loss of the YVCA DJ Strachan Shield season against a rapidly improving Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday.
Warburton-Millgrove opened the clash with the bat, and for the first time this season the Burras were able to quell the devastating opening pairing of Ishara Amarasinghe and Matt Tilney.
Underrated opener Scott Darwall showed his experience and discipline anchoring the innings with a well made 75 and was well supported by his teammates as he lead the side to formidable 9-188.
Blues captain Dean Troyhan (5-37) did his best to keep the Burras in check with a quality spell, while Amarasinghe and Tilney had two wickets apiece.
Leigh Atkins (59) got things rolling for the Blues, but no other batsman could make a contribution of significance as the bowling trio of Mick Walker (4-19), Troy Murphy (3-27) and Adam Humphrey (2-47) turned the screws on the visitors. Eventually Seville was dismissed 34 runs short of the target with the Burras continuing their surge towards finals.
Reigning premier Coldstream flexed its muscles in the contest with Woori Yallock.
The Crocs were under some early pressure as speedster Jackson Wright (2-40) made some early inroads into the batting lineup.
Enter Crocs captain Danny Adams, who produced an innings showcasing all his class as he teamed with Nick Tucker (38) and Liam Doughty (25 not out) to post an impressive unbeaten 121 to lead his side to an imposing 4-231.
In response, the Tigers fell 83 runs short. Coldstream spinner Harry Burnett continued to prove his value to the Crocs with impressive figures of 5-31.