VIRGINIA is well-placed to claim first innings points following day one of its Para Districts grade one season opener against Eastern Park at Virginia Oval on Saturday.
The hosts were in a troubling position late in their innings, and were 8/123 after Alex Leo was dismissed for 41.
Nathan Warren (41) and Craig Figallo (54) then put together a 71-run partnership to steady the ship, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 244.
Ash Nicholas also contributed with 24, which included four boundaries.
Eastern Park is in a dire state and is 6/37 in reply after just 10 overs.
Warren took 5/11, which featured a hat-trick, from his five overs.
Elsewhere, Salisbury West set Angle Vale a 253-run target after day one.
Justin Davies continued his terrific form from last season, scoring 49 before he was caught.
Dom Costanzo made 35, while captain Travis McIntyre was unbeaten on 65 at the end of play.
Finally, North Eastern Knights commenced its first grade one match and currently holds a 103-run lead over Parafield Gardens.
The Knights were bowled out for 206 after 47 overs.
Lee Mills hit nine boundaries, including three sixes, as he top-scored with 70, while Nathon Merritt was terrific with 39 before he was bowled.
The Gardens are 4/103 at stumps following 23 overs.
In grade two, North Pines has already claimed a 264-run first innings win over struggling Riverside.
Adam Freeman top-scored with 92 for the Pines, as they made 296 from 48 overs.
Cooper Hoppo was Riverside’s best with the ball, taking 4/20.
However, Riverside battled badly with the bat and was bowled out for 32.
Josh Colbourne top-scored with just nine, as Jamie Hibbett took 3/13.
Riverside is currently 2/1 in its second innings as it looks to avoid an outright defeat.
Elsewhere, One Tree Hill is likely to claim victory over Enfield United.
Mick Corfield was the best with the bat with 73 on day one of the clash, as his side made 212.
United is currently 4/20 in reply after just 20 overs.
In grade three, Angle Vale looks set to beat North Pines to open its account for 2019/20.
Evan Thomas top-scored with 70 as the Vale made 222.
Matt Sparre, Travis Perris and Dean McGuirk took three wickets each for the Pines, and their side is 5/116 at stumps.
In grade four, Dublin has set One Tree Hill a 239-run target following the first day’s play.
Matt Hartwell scored 115 as his side declared at 5/239.
The Billiegoats are 0/11 in reply.