We returned home this week hoping to continue on our form from last week's win with a big challenge against second placed Balwyn. I finally won a toss post Christmas and we were happy to have a bat first in the heat.

Balwyn started off well with the ball and we lost Rohan early before myself (31) and Charlie (63) started to get the momentum going back our way. We got through to the first drinks break at 1/68 having set ourselves a good platform before i fell shortly after breaking the 56 run partnership. Nav (35) joined Charlie and they continued to accumulate through the middle overs as we reached the second drinks break after 30 overs at 2/128 and in a good position to push on to a big score. Unfortunately the drinks break again brought about a wicket shortly after, with Charlie falling for his 4th consecutive 60+ score with us. The incoming batters found it difficult to start their innings but were able to keep the runs ticking over and with some late hitting from Moose, Jesse and Jayvier we were able to reach 7/219 from our 45 overs.

We started off well with the ball with Jayvier (1/31 off 7) picking up their captain early and building up pressure with Moose with the new ball. Ryan bowled well without reward as they went about their business with the number 3 anchoring the innings and their other opener chancing his arm at the other end. We erred in our lengths a bit too often as the afternoon heat started to get to the bowlers and their batters made the most of the opportunities we presented them. Moose picked up their opener when they still needed 100 off the last 19 overs but rather than getting a boost from the wicket and lifting we went the other way and allowed them to get right on top as they chased down the runs with 8 overs remaining.

A disappointing result on a day that we played some good cricket, but Balwyn showed us why they are sitting right up the top of the ladder as they stayed better for longer. A big game this week as we head down the road to Yarraville looking to keep our season alive against the local rivals.