Rup-Miniyp’s 195-win demolition of Laharum ensured the side could no longer pull off an amazing turnaround after a disappointing start to the season.

Laharum never really looked likely of chasing down the 340 runs it would need for victory before a ball had even been bowled on the second day at the Minyip Oval. The task was made more difficult when opener Josh Mahoney was dismissed with just one run on the board and then Mal Adams followed him back to the pavilion shortly after coming it at number three. 

Captain Dan Griffiths was next to go but Ben Peuker batted aggressively to lift the scoring rate when he was on strike. He dominated partnerships when he was at the crease on his way to a score of 59.

Ryan Metelmann, 4-51, eventually removed him when the team’s score was on 86 and Dan Mibus, 38, provided the on only resistance from the point on.

After Jonty Funcke, 3-24, came on to clean up the middle and lower order Laharum were all out for 144.

Batting was seemingly much easier on the second day of play at Horsham’s City Oval in the match between Jung and Homers. Homers had already wrapped up first innings points after 20 wickets fell on the first day and looked to consolidate in it second innings for a big win before finals.

Despite the loss of Sandy Hodge early the side Homers piled on the runs after Simon Hopper came in at number three. His unbeaten score of 107 dominated the innings with Adam Atwood, 40, and Marcus Williamson, 37, playing supporting roles before the side declared at 4-206.

Jung then went in to bat with 30 overs left in the day aiming to avoid an outright loss. It started 298 behind but the side was rarely troubled by the Homers bowling attack.

Angus Adams brought up an aggressive century after opening the batting and Brett Jensz managed 64 coming it at number three. Jung scored at more than six an over to finish the day 2-192, a welcome boost to the side’s confidence with the bat ahead of finals.

Blackheath-Dimboola completed an upset 122-run win against Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park in the final match of the round.

The side knocked off the 21 runs it required to win before regular wickets fell throughout the day. Harry Young’s 36 was the best score after Elliot Braithwaite’s fireworks on day one saw him reach 46.