With most captains choosing to bat after winning the toss, a score of 220-plus is usually the pass mark at this time of year.

In a re-match of last year's semi-final, Rowville started cautiously against Johnson Park at Fairpark and after two hours at the crease was 2-68.

However as the good judges say, wickets in hand at the tea break is the key, and this proved to be correct with number three bat Tate Burgmann striking 78, ably supported by opener and skipper Phil Gillespie (68).

The Hawks were solid at 9-277 at stumps.

For the Sharks, Steve Bowen bowled well to take 3-29.

Belgrave, after losing its opening one dayer, bounced back to register the highest score of the day with 9-289 at home against The Basin.

The star for The Magpies was Scott Vozzo (68), returning after a year in the RDCA.

Upwey, with 9-262, was impressive at home to St John's Tecoma. Feaver medallist Dain Howe was lbw on 97 and Brenton Hurst contributed 68 to a total that may be too many if the Tigers bowl on line this weekend.

In Decoite Shield, Auravale dominated with the bat, scoring a massive 347 against Upwey, who may need to bat twice to reach that target.

Lakers' bat Anthony scored a ton with plenty of support, while Lynch picked up five wickets for Upwey.