There is no doubt that playing two games of T20 end-on-end is demanding, however, that is the reality that brings the best cricketers to the fore.

Laharum and Noradjuha/Toolondo Bullants set the scene for a high-scoring day at the City Oval. Laharum got off to a quick start taking advantage of the fielding restrictions. Anthony Molloy made 56 and Mal Adams put on a quickfire 34, including three sixes, as Laharum ended up at 4/158 at the end of its 20 overs. Ben Anson did his bit with the ball, with 1/20 off 4 overs.

The Bullants were under pressure early with Kent Hair and Garrett Liston dismissed cheaply. Liston's bat handle completely detached from the bat face, with the bat almost travelling as far as the ball which was caught at cover. Justin Combe departed for 33, with the score on 3/59 and from there, Adam Barber and Jake Hinton did a great job slowing the run rate. Laharum victors by 11 runs.

Blackheath/Dimboola just failed to pull off a win against Homers. Batting first, Blackheath/Dimboola made 5/142 with the consistent Harry Young making 56.

A hamstring injury to Young reduced their bowling stocks when it was their turn to defend their total and Homers, through Simon Hopper scoring 55, achieved victory in the 20th over. While Blackheath/Dimboola is battling with getting commitment to play from some, the resilience of those who play week in week out has to be admired.

Ben Sawyer enjoys the short form of cricket and this week Horsham Saints were out of the blocks quickly against Laharum thanks to Sawyer making 26 off an opening partnership of 30. Corey Smith played the role of holding the innings together, as Heath Watson left us all wondering why a cricketer of his talent has not been playing with a rapid 44.

Mr Consistent, Adam Barber, was Laharum's best performing bowler with 2/15 off his 4 overs, as the Horsham Saints' innings closed on 6/159. Josh Mahoney and Ben Peucker made 46 and 36 respectively for Laharum but they were never in the hunt thanks to dominant bowling from Watson, Tony Caccaviello and Jono Carroll who curtailed Laharum to 4/134.

Colts, hampered by the absence of some of its best cricketers, had a tough weekend. They headed to Sunnyside to play Homers and managed to put a score of 7/106 on the board.

Danny DeGruchy was the top-scorer with 21. Baxter Perry led the way with the ball for Homers taking 1/10 off 4 overs. Adam Atwood put together a dominant 63 to lead Homers to victory in the 19th over.

Later in the day, Colts returned to its home ground to host Rup/Minyip. Ross Frew made 28 and helped Colts get to 9/94. Youngsters Blake Turner 4/18 and Bailey Young 3/14 were dominant with the ball. Mark Mbofana made a trademark 29 and Adam Carter oversaw a Rup/Minyip victory in the 18th over, with 23 not out. Logan Miller took 2/17 for Colts.

Under lights at the City Oval with Harry Young sitting in the grandstand icing his hamstring, Blackheath/Dimboola set Jung Tigers a target of 114. David Puls and Angus Adams were impressive with the white ball. Tyler Neville led the way with the bat for Jung making a dominant 66, as Jung achieved victory in the 14th over.

In other games, Horsham Saints were comfortable winners over Jung Tigers. Sawyer was out of the blocks quickly with 46 including six boundaries and two sixes. Smith made 56 as the Saints finished on 6/172.

Tyler Puls showed resistance with the bat for Jung but had little help, as the Jung innings limped to 7/109. Caccaviello and Watson were measly with the ball each going for 2 runs per over.

At Cornell Park, Rup/Minyip and the Bullants played an entertaining game. Set a target of 159 by the Bullants, Rup/Minyip won in the 19th over with Mbofana making 39.

The HCA T20 competition continues this coming weekend.