The equation sees the Red caps requiring six wickets and the Pointies in search of 112 runs for victory.

Day one of the Ballarat Cricket Association first grade clash saw a roller coaster encounter between the top four contenders. Golden Point bowled extremely well to dismiss Wendouree for 150, taking 10-93.

But Wendouree all-rounder Jack Peeters brought his side back into the contest as Golden Point tried to survive an awkward period at the end of the day. Peeters claimed 3-11 and the Pointies made it to stumps on 4-39.

Wendouree skipper Gavin Webb said the latter stages of last week was crucial and trying to regather the momentum it built-up last week would be key.

“The first hour is crucial, we’re certainly going to need a couple of quick wickets to put some more pressure on them,” Webb said.

“To get four wickets was an absolutely great result.

“Golden Point bowled really well.

“Cole (Roscholler) and Ryan (Simmonds) got us off to a really good start...but we collapsed.

“The game is evenly balanced at the moment.

“We’ll have to keep attacking...we’ll clearly have to bowl them up.

“We’ve got a very tight day’s play coming up I would think.”

Simon Ogilvie (12*) and Andrew Falkner (4*) will return to the crease.

EAST Ballarat has a great opportunity to post outright victory when it resumes in a commanding position against Napoleons-Sebastopol.

The Hawks cruised to a first innings victory and is 137 runs clear of Naps-Sebas, with six wickets in hand.

Captain Josh Brown played a big part in that lead, smashing 86 runs from 58 balls. He said how his side approaches Saturday would be largely dependent on the pitch.

If the pitch looks like it will have a bit in it for the bowlers, an immediate declaration could be on the cards, otherwise knocking around another 50-100 runs in quick fashion could be the option – which would give Brown a chance at a maiden century. 

“You can’t complain with a day like that,” Brown said.

“It sets us up to have a crack at bowling at them again.

“It’s pretty tough (to get an outright win), you’ve got to bowl well again but you never know.

“We’re in a good spot to at least have a crack at it.

“Selfishly, I’d like to make it (a century). But it’s always team first...if we go there and it looks like a blinder to bowl on, we’ll bowl – and if I get a chance I’d definitely be hoping to get it.”

Jacob Eyers joins Brown at the crease, unbeaten on 48.

BROWN Hill has a big chase on its hands when it walks out to bat against the Buninyong attack.

The Bunnies batted its 80 overs, compiling an impressive 8-299 – coach Liam Brady falling just short of a century, dismissed on 96.

Harli Givvens and Liam Rigby chiming in with impressive half centuries.

The Bulls, after a stunning start to the season, have lost three of their past four matches and if it can not find an answer to Buninyong’s big total, a position among the top four could be in jeopardy.

However, Brown Hill has shown ability to post big scores with the likes of Ryan and Jason Knowles along with Matt Sandford, all having good seasons with the bat.

DARLEY will resume at 1-35 against Ballarat-Redan, looking to chase down 165 runs for victory.

After losing Danza Hyatt on the second ball, Lachy Herring (14*) and Richard Moore (16*) are at the crease.

MT CLEAR is also in a strong position against North Ballarat.

The Mounties are 1-71, chasing 162 for victory.

Brendan Moyle (24*) and Matt Ward (17*) at the crease.