As the Yarra Valley Cricket Association approaches it's Christmas hiatus, the season is becoming interesting as most sides in the competition are putting their hands up to be a part of finals action.

Yarra Junction is one of those sides as their indifferent early season form has been rectified and they are genuinely making a spirited bid to be apart of the finals action. Hosting a stumbling Coldstream, whose fortunes seem to be heading in a different direction after being the front runners early in the season, things seemed to be returning to the norm as the Crocs opening duo of Jarrod Bayliss (5/61) and Matthew Stark (3/54) made short work of the Eagles top order. With the only resistance coming from the talented David Lever (26), the visitors reduced the home side to a stumbling 8/126. This is where the rot stopped for Yarra Junction, and it took two of their younger brigade to extract them from the mire. Former Coldstream Junior Daniel Sharp (54*) joined the ever improving Quentin Hodgkinson (84) at the wicket, and the pair systematically wore the Coldstream attack down. With a mixture of patience and fluent strokeplay, the pair compiled a 109 run ninth wicket partnership to turn the innings into a profitable 243. With the Crocs in a batting rut over the past three rounds, the Eagles will be confident of recording their third win of the season and bringing themselves within arms reach of the Association's top sides.

Woori Yallock have given themselves every chance of recording victory against Warburton-Millgrove in a clash that could be crucial to both teams finals fortunes. The Tigers have been stumbling in recent weeks after some promising signs in the early part of the season. Hosting the Burras, who have been faltering themselves in recent weeks, Woori Yallock batted first in brilliant conditions and made the most of the early exchanges. Openers Daniel Mock (77) and Daniel Reid (34) looked to have put the home side on a path to a sizeable total as they have done on many occasions this season, however with their exits, the innings lost it's momentum. The Tigers managed to bat out their overs and post a solid 7/206, but with the miserly Mick Walker (3/48) at the helm of the bowling attack, the Burras managed to keep things in check. One would think a score above 200 on the wide expanses of the Woori Yallock Reserve would be enough for the home side, however Warburton-Millgrove possess the talent and discipline within their batting line up to challenge the score.

Top four sides Healesville and Mt Evelyn battled out an interesting days play, with both sides having their moments to arrest control of the match, with neither taking full advantage. Batting first, Mt Evelyn made a disastrous start losing two quick wickets, however a steady innings of 35 from captain Kane Jones had the Rovers set at 2/61. Consistent bowling from the home side kept the visitors under pressure and Catfish Chandler, the old work horse, ensured his two early wickets weren't in vain, as he turned the the screws on the Mt Evelyn middle order with a brilliant 14 over spell. With the assistance of Chance Burridge (2/35), Chandler's 4/34 had the visitors on the brink off collapse at 6/80. Like Yarra Junction, Mt Evelyn had to rely on it's younger brigade to extract it from a jam, and Jesse Fraser (51) with the assistance of Daniel Fraser and Trevor Williams ensured the visitors avoided a total collapse, and with a disciplined and positive approach the youngste rs had the visitors within reach of a total above 200. The consistent Bloods attack clicked into gear, and quickly broke the stubborn resistance to keep the Rovers to a manageable 168. With inform openers, Geoff Stock and Jonny Heywood leading from the front, one would think the Bloods well and truly have the upper hand, but in this day and age momentum is an unerring force, and if the visitors capture a couple of early wickets it will be game on.

In the final game of the round, what seemed to be the biggest mismatch of the round, in Seville hosting Hoddles Creek, turned out to be an interesting contest on day one. Seville batted first and knew they would have to work extremely hard on the slow Seville Reserve if they were to compile a significant score. The early exchanges were intriguing as the new battled the old in a battle of supremacy. In form Wombats opening bowler Nick Bark ensured the pressure was on the Blues from the onset as he bowled tirelessly throughout the innings taking 5/60 and was well supported by fellow youngster David Chesney (3/59). It was left to the experienced, and inform, Andy Kay to have the final say in the day's play. Short in stature, but big in influence, the 'Little General' forged a brilliant 69*, and was supported by the equally stoic Scott Rackham (31), as the pair built the score to 193. If the Seville Reserve continues to play slow, this score will prove difficult to chase for Hoddles Creek, however patience and discipline are two of Hoddles Creek's strengths, and if a few of their guns can contribute them anything can happen.