STRIVING for a finals berth, Coldstream made light work of a disappointing Warburton-Millgrove in the DJ Strachan Shield on Saturday.
The Crocs' first day total of 145, looked a little light on and with Scott Darwall (39) and Troy Murphy negotiating the new ball spell, the Burras looked as if they were set to chase it down.
But a change of bowling brought a dramatic change as Liam Doughty (4-19) and Matt Jonson combined to tighten the screws and put the Crocs back in the contest.
Darwall's fighting innings kept the Burras in the match, but with the destructive Matthew Stark (3-29) and the spin of Harry Burnett (2-13) introduced, the visitors collapsed to a sub-par 80.
Elsewhere, having captured first innings points in the final over of the first day, Seville's lower order set about batting Mt Evelyn out of any thoughts of chasing outright points.
Despite the early wicket of Ryan Akers, some lusty blows from Matt Tilney (40) and Dean Troyhan, combined with the stubborn Ishara Amarasinghe, ensured the Blues reached safety, finishing on 182.
With one round to play, Seville has stitched up top spot and a home semi-final, while it looks as though Coldstream and Healesville will be fighting to host the second semi-final.
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The YVCA team made a fist of its first year in division 2 of Melbourne Country Week, winning the final match of the competition to remain in division 2 for next year. Mt Evelyn star Kane Jones (152) led the YVCA to victory over Bairnsdale after the side had lost its first three games.
DJ Strachan Shield
Mt Evelyn 103 (M Tilney 4-45) def by Seville 182 (M Tilney 40, K Jones 5-39, S Luck 5-42); Coldstream 145 defeated Warburton-Milgrove 80 (S Darwall 39, L Doughty 4-19, M Stark 3-29, H Burnett 2-13); Healesville 122 (J Heywood 44 B Hays 5-22) and 8-99 (S Campbell 40no E Davies 38 B Hayes 5-46 S Young 3-40) def Woori Yallock 75 (C Burridge 4-12 A Pearce 3-15); Yarra Junction 124 def by Hoddles Creek 5-127 (S Garside 53, N Fall 3-32, T Ottrey 2-9) —Chris Anderson