Lucas, vying for prime position, set ladder leader Creswick Imperials a 338-run chase on Saturday.

Creswick began its reply in five overs before stumps but a late wicket left it standing 1-10 on Lucas territory.

Creswick Imperials captain David Coxall said one more hour at the crease would tell whether his players had what it took to match traditional competition heavyweight Lucas.

"We've seen the way Lucas batted at the weekend but we're not out of it yet," Coxall said.

"They're certainly up there as a strong team.

"We'll keep improving as the season goes on.

"It's a quick ground and we'll attempt to bat out all our overs."

Big batting and stinging bowling dominated day one action.

Lucas' Jake Pring continued his stellar form with the willow, caught and bowled one short of a century while team-mates Josh Clarke and Mark Gittins each chalked up 75 runs.

Creswick left-arm medium-paced swing bowler Jeffrey Chalmers tore through Lucas' middle and lower order to snare 7-71.

Chalmers' 19-over spell included two maidens.

Creswick will be looking to Chris Collins, 10, and Caleb Hepworth to make a solid start when play resumes on Saturday.