MAIN Ridge and Flinders kicked the MPCA District season new year well and truly into gear on Saturday with a first-class display of cricket.
Both teams collectively scored 503 and snared 11 wickets in just 80 overs of play in the day.
Main Ridge won the game, thanks largely to an unbeaten 116 to Ed Aarons as well as 101 to Michael Holmes who has has scored 374 this season. The Ridge chased down the 243 needed for victory, finishing at 5-261.
Earlier, it appeared Flinders had done more than enough to claim the win. Shane Beggs scored 109 and Andrew Power, in his second game of the season, blasted an unbeaten 101. Main Ridge's Gareth Wyatt claimed 3-45.
Somerville lived up to its potential for the first time this season when it handed out a cricket lesson to Langwarrin.
The previously top-of-the-table Kangas batted first and were rolled in the 38th over for 148, Andy Johnson top-scored with 48 and teenage opener Taylor Smith continued his rise with 40. The Eagles' bowlers were solid, Peneeth Goonawardena claiming 3-25 and Jack Kennedy 2-17.
The Kangas' bowlers were ordinary at best. Andrew West took advantage by smashing 49 and Sam Delaney 40 as the Eagles cruised to 5-151 in the 27th over. Somerville is a major threat and is now knocking on the door of the four.
Mt Eliza went to the top of the District table with a comfortable victory against Baden Powell. The Mounties batted first and struggled to 8-131. Baden Powell then crumbled under the Mt Eliza bowling pressure, dismissed for 111.
Carrum did the job against Frankston YCW. The Lions set the Stonecats a target of 175 for victory but the home side was bowled out for 150.
Boneo sits in the top four after getting the job done against Delacombe Park. The Parkers batted first and compiled a competitive 7-156. Boneo passed the total eight wickets down.