Heading towards the break, its about runs on the board in Dunstan | Mid Season Wrap

As we head to the last Saturday before the long break, there is an epic battle going on at the top of the Dunstan Shield table. Edinburgh, who have completely disrupted the pecking order with their impressive form, will need to chase 269 against North Balwyn if they want to hang onto top spot. It is not beyond them - considering the form of their skipper Suraj Kaluhalamulla this season, who has 494 runs so far, to go with his 25 wickets. A North Balwyn win would open the door for either Mont Albert or Old Carey who are both well placed in their respective matches.

Have completely disrupted the pecking order with an impressive campaign so far having been promoted to Dunstan after winning a thriller in Wright Sheild last season (from 4th spot).  That followed on from winning the Sturgess Shield the season prior. Skipper Suraj Kaluhalamulla has been in peak form - having made 494 runs at 55 and taken 25 wickets at 8. They pipped East Doncaster in a thriller at Zerbes in Round 7. They have also knocked off both 2023-24 Grand Finalists Mont Albert (in Round 1) and North Balwyn in Round 4 - set up by James Southby's ton. Regardless of the result this round, they looked well set for a finals spot.

They're back - after their dual premiership 'hangover' last season, Old Carey are once again front-and-centre in the grade. They suffered an early blow after a footy-related injury to skipper Daniel Clarke ruled him out for the season. Their losses have come against potenital finals contenders Edinburgh in Round 2  and against Mont Albert in Round 7 . Their best win was in Round 6 against North Balwyn when opener Luke Sharrock scored 98 to help them to a defendable 216. They have many of their premiershp players still in the squad and with all their experience, we expect them to figure prominently after the break. Explosive opener Rhaul Khera has been thriving in the mostly one-day fixtures so far with 328 runs at 55. Ben Jowett has 23 wickets.

Last year's runners up are well placed going to the break. They would be favoured to pick up the points this weekend against Glen Iris who have a mountain to climb - chasing over 300. They were upset by newcomers Edinburgh at home in Round 1, and knocked off by East Doncaster in Round 8  Which was a remarkable turnaround from their Round 3 match up when openers Lucas Hutchison (100 from 82) and Lachlan Fraser (125* from 117) piled on a massive 164 run opening partnership to set up their 1/302 which they defended despite an explosive ton by Matt Vaiano. Lachlan Fraser has the most runs 286 @72 while their experienced skipper Andrew Padbury is leading the bolwing with 14 wickets @at 16.

The defending Premiers are thereabouts - booking solid wins - with this Round being a crucial test for the team as they look to defend 269 against the ladder leaders Edinburgh. Louis Macciocca has hit two tons (344 runs in total @64) and with runs to Amrit Basra (242), Max Tomkinson (233) and Nitesh Patel (212) they bat as deep as any side.  However, with the absence of James Binney, the bowling depth may be more tested. Skipper Xavier Bateman will be shoulderig a lof the load with his medium quicks. Amrit Basra is having a fine all round season so far with 13 wickets at 20.

Their best win so far for the season came against the barnstorming Edinburgh at the WT Peterson Oval in Round 3. Thilan Nimesh 4/30 starred that day, spinning out their hosts. With four wins on the board, they are best placed of the lower order to make a run for the top four.  However, they will have to overcome Canterbury this Saturday who posted a very defendable 278.

Matt Vaiano is one of the competition's leading run scorer for the season with 440 runs at 63; including two centuries. But the team is struggling to get over the line in the tight games.  Best win so far was an away win against Mont Albert Round 8 lead by skipper Peter Dickson with 92*. If they can string together some wins immediately after the break, don't be surprised if they make a tilt at the finals.  Have to get over Old Carey first on Saturday where they will be chasing 237.

Had Edinburgh 6/45 defending 172 in their Round 6 clash before the match was washed out. Have lost four senior players to injuries, but with an emerging Junior Under 17 cohort of Rixon, Pillay, Tudor and Randabel getting invaluable Senior experience, the future is looking positive.  Will need to book a win or two after the break to stay alive in Dunstan. Will be relying on the experience of players like skipper Lachy Holmes (307 runs at 51) and Lucas Skelton (254 at 42).

An epic double century stand between Will Steventon (132) and Luca Williams-Denton (101) in the current match against Bulleen at Koonung Park  has breathed life into what has been a tough few months for the Club. At 3/13 batting first, it was looking like a tough day at the office. But with some dogged old-school resistence, the pair posted a 211 run partnership to give themselves a great chance of a first up win for the season.  The loss of Chris Moore was always going to be felt.  But with the playing stocks at a low, the Club will need to dig-deep to stay in Dunstan.