Caroline Springs experienced a day of twists and turns in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 clash with Jacana.
The Falcons looked to be in early control, cruising at 3-101, before the Jaguars bowled them out for 123.
Jackson Mills, who has returned to Caroline Springs this season, top-scored with 41 as only three batsmen reached double figures.
Now on the back foot, the Falcons responded with the ball to have the Jaguars 7-70 at stumps.
Falcons skipper Kane Sevior said they were in a lot better position than they might have been.
“It didn’t look too good at tea,” he said. “There was a lot of wickets … we were fortunate enough to fight back with the ball.
“We thought if we could get five wickets, we would be a chance. We got seven and it almost puts us in front. It was more than we could hope for.”
Sevior, Mujtaba Hussain and Gayashan Weerasekara took two wickets each for the Falcons.
A win would be the Falcons’ first of the season after a big loss the previous week.
Despite the slow start, Sevior, who stood down as coach after last season, said the Falcons remained encouraged by their pre-season.
“It’s been the best pre-season in my time at the club,” he said.
“Andrew White has come on as head coach and Mick Gale as a training coach. The professionalism side of things has lifted up a level.
“Hus [Mujtaba Hussain] is batting at six and is our vice-captain. He’s from Port Melbourne and he’s led on-field and off-field. He’s working with some of the younger players on game style. He sets the standard at training.”
Sydenham Hillside has already conceded first-innings points against Moonee Valley. The Sharks were bowled out for 71 in just the 30th over.
Moonee Valley was 4-185 at stumps.
In west A1, Melton South Royals made 216 against Gellibrand, which will resume at 1-15.
Melton Centrals will resume at 0-15 needing 200 for the win against Footscray ANA.
