The side is sitting seventh on the ladder and out of finals contention but it has opportunity to win despite being bowled out for 142 on the first Saturday of play.

Tim Bell’s knock of 69 was the standout for St Mary’s as no other batsmen could make it past 30.

Stuart Lang was only multiple wicket taker for Marnoo as St Mary’s was bowled out in the 45^th over.

The game then turned on its head when Bell claimed five wickets to decimate Marnoo’s batting lineup.

The side was struggling at 6-36 when the day finished after its 23^rd over. 

After waiting almost all season for a first win Hopetoun are also in with chance of throwing the a spanner in the works of a team looking to sow up a finals berth. Donald were rolled for 112 off 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first at Hopetoun.

In reply Hoptoun finished the day 2-57 and the side is in with a real chance of ending a disappointing season on a high note.

22 wickets fell in the space of the first day in the match between first-placed St Arnaud and second-placed Birchip at St Arnaud.

Cameron Taylor, 29, and Anthony Beachma, 21 not out, were the only Birchip batsmen to reach double-figures as Bruce Hando and Carl Torney each claimed four wickets for St Arnaud.

A first innings target of 86 was too difficult a chase for St Arnaud’s batsmen though with the side rolled for 78 withing 22 overs.

Birchip went in to bat a second time with nine overs remaining in the day and the side finds itself 2-15 in match that will likely end in an outright results one way or another.