By ROY WARD
Click here for our picture gallery of the Doveton v Narre Warren clash
BUCKLEY Ridges has given its finals hopes a shot in the arm with a first-day win over Springvale South in the DDCA Turf 1 competition on Saturday.
The Ridges lost the toss and had to field first at Park Oval but the decision proved in their favour as the Bloods fell to 3-13 following the dismissal of star batsman Jeevantha Kulatunga.
After the Bloods looked in more trouble at 6-31, Warren Ayres (56) and Andrew Staude (37) formed a 91-run partnership before Ridges star Jeremy Kuru got Staude out.
The Ridges made short work of the Bloods tail as the visitors were bowled out for 131 with Kuru taking 6-28 from 13 overs.
In reply, Ridges captain-coach Marc Calkin (80 not out) and No. 3 batsman Greg Todd (75no) led the way as the home side compiled 1-169 from 39 overs. They the chance for a rare outright win over the Bloods when play resumes this Saturday.
Top team Dandenong West is in a winning position in its clash with Coomoora after bowling the Roos out for 159. Andrew Harry took 5-66 while Alex Roberts claimed 3-26. The Bulls ended play on 1-34 heading into the second day.
Narre Warren showed little mercy to Doveton, batting through the day to make 9-257 as Ateeq Javid blasted 108.
Click here for our picture gallery of the Doveton v Narre Warren clash
Parkfield has also taken first innings points with North Dandenong, bowling out North for 87 then making 2-96 declared after star all-rounder Steven Spoljaric made 58no. North was 2-11 at stumps in its second innings.
Heinz Southern Districts has a difficult task when it resumes on 0-9 against Berwick, chasing 210. Hallam Kalora Park will also need to stay at the crease against Mordialloc after falling to 3-42 at stumps after bowling out Mordy for 121.
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