KILCUNDA Bass will have to bat extremely well if it is to brush off a confident Maroon outfit in B grade.
Batting first at Bass, the team reached 9/255 through a consistent approach to its time at the crease.
Opener Dan Brennan again constructed another halfcentury, reaching 68 before being unlucky to be dismissed.
Surely a century will soon be the product if he can turn half centuries into big innings.
He was well supported by Luke Pitcher (67) and Dave Ardley (37 not out), and Matt Scanlon also crunched a quick 37 to provide the Maroons with a challenging tally.
Steady bowling will build score board pressure on the other finals aspirants.
C GRADE
On a patchy Upper Beaconsfield oval, Upper Beaconsfield won the toss and skipper Shawn Hassall won approval from his teammates by electing to bat in sapping heat.
Dan Williams carved a quick 26 before mistiming a slice through cover point, Steve Finnerty looked impressive in his cameo 16, and Chris Read made 11 before suffering from a back complaint which limited his stroke play.
Hassall was looking confident when he settled in, but unusually set off for a quick single and tore a calf muscle, causing him to temporarily retire hurt.
Eventually Hassall returned and scored a courageous 41 before being dismissed.
However the accolades of the day went to Guy Matherson, who batted for 61 overs to reach his best score of the season – a patient 70.
With a score of 201, Upper Beaconsfield has a target to defend to keep its finals hopes a glimmer.
F GRADE
Meeting Cranbourne Meadows on mutual territory, Upper Beaconsfield Fgrade captain Richard Edwards won the toss and asked the Rebels to bat.
The batting side was dismissed for a rather meagre total of 94.
Newcomer Lou Buntine made a mess of the match capturing 5/7, while Michael Geraeds (2/19) was on a hattrick but bowled a wide.
Troy Simeth picked up 1/17 while wily Richard Edwards (1/12) and Gary Hunt (1/23) joined the team effort.
In reply, Rob Irving (22) scored his best innings for some time while man of match Richard Edwards (37) clinched the game as Upper Beaconsfield managed 4/106 and earned an early finish.
UNDER 15
The only of Upper Beaconsfield’s junior games not to suffer the surprise of a washout was the under 15 match, where opponent Emerald Black reached 5/164.
Players to do well were Tom Jennings who contributed 1/18 and caused a runout, and Adam Hussein displayed sound bowling skills to earn 2/16.
Daniel Stafford also took 1/15 in a tidy performance.
