Mernda couldn’t close out 2019 with a win, going down to Old Paradians by two wickets in their Money Shield two-dayer.
Mernda was bowled out for 157 on day one with Stuart Wright top-scoring with 41.
The Demons struck early on day two and had Old Paradians 1/8 before a 75-run second wicket partnership put the hosts back on track.
While Mernda was able to take wickets, they struggled to stop the scoreboard ticking over as Old Paradians finished off the run chase after 53 overs.
After making 25 not out on day one, James Baker led Mernda’s attack, taking 3/36 from 21 overs with 10 maidens.
Mernda returns to action on Saturday, taking on Eltham on the road.
After making 309 on day one, Whittlesea cruised to a 102-run win over Thomastown in the Mash Shield.
Whittlesea was able to make an impact early as Rodney Pratt took the first wicket with Thomastown 1/6.
The hosts put together a couple of partnerships to right the ship, reaching 2/114 before a middle-order collapse saw Thomastown fall to 8/179.
With the match under control, Whittlesea took the last two wickets for 28 runs to close it out.
Pratt led Whittlesea’s attack, taking 3/63 from 21 overs with two maidens while Yasith De Silva was efficient, taking 2/26 form 12 overs with four maidens.
Whittlesea hosts Panton Hill in a two-day beginning this Saturday.
Laurimar suffered its first loss of the season, failing to chase down the 280-run total set by Bundoora Park on day one of their Mash Shield match and losing by 63 runs.
Laurimar was in trouble early at 3/29 before a 156-run partnership between Ray Kelsey (64) and Rian Boddy (89) put them back on track.
However once Boddy departed, it was all downhill for the Power with the next five wickets falling for 25 runs as Laurimar was bowled out for 216 from 73 overs.
Laurimar will take on Thomastown United in a two-day match beginning on Saturday.
