Keilor will have a tricky second day to negotiate against Strathmore in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division on Saturday.
The Blues would have been cock-a-hoop to bowl the Mores out for 138 in 48.5 overs. Chris Lee left a trail of destruction through the Mores’ batting line-up, taking 6-36 off 11 overs.
Whatever Lee didn’t destroy, his partner in crime, Dan Schuppan, did. He took 4-50 off 18.5 overs.
But positive vibes for Keilor were crushed in the 31 overs before stumps.
The Blues went from hot favourites to shaky outsiders by losing 6-67.
The only shining light for the Blues with the bat was Upal Bandara’s 40.
With 72 runs needed and just the tail to get them, Keilor will need to pull a rabbit out of its hat to claim a victory to keep its home semi-final chances alive.
In north-west division, St Albans will be fighting to preserve its place in the top four against Seddon on the road at Hanmer Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints fought hard in the field on day one, restricting Seddon to 9-207.
Simon Lambert was superb for the Saints with 5-81 off 31 overs.
It’s a similar tale for Sunshine United, which is one spot above St Albans, in third, and scrapping to consolidate its finals spot. After making 147 on the first day, United will need to make every post a winner to overcome Aberfeldie.
In north-west A1, Sunshine Heights, already nine points outside the top four, will need a miracle against Maribyrnong St Johns at Ainsworth Reserve.
The Heights were bowled out for 103 and the visitors are already 3-71.
Deer Park has its sights set on an outright against Point Cook after wrapping up first-innings points on day one at Saltwater Reserve.
The Lions rolled Point Cook for just 84, with opening bowler James Bonnici taking a season-best 5-28.
Deer Park powered to 3-188 at stumps, led by 67 from Shane Jones.
It’s a big weekend coming up for the Lions, who will feature in the VTCA Kookaburra Cup T20 finals day, also at Saltwater Reserve, on Sunday.
Deer Park and Point Cook will contest one semi-final, with Spotswood and Doutta Stars in the other. The semi-final winners will meet later in the day to decide the T20 champion.
