The Tigers hadn't lost since round two leading into the round nine clash at Epsom-Huntly Recreation Reserve.

They were expected to extend that streak against the battling Marong, but the Panthers had other ideas.

A fine 65 off 76 balls from veteran Scott Roos ensured Marong posted a competitive 9-183 off their 40 overs.

Lachlan Shawyer (3-42) continued his good form with the ball to be United's chief wicket-taker.

United's reply with the bat never really gathered any momentum.

The Tigers' highest partnership was just 28 as their batsmen struggled to turn starts into a decent score.

Dooley Niemann (33) and Joe Hartney (29) were the only batsmen to pass 25 in United's total of 141.

Marong's Ryan Murphy (3-34) took care of the Tigers' middle-order, including the prized wicket of Harry Whittle for 1. Opening bowler Tom Wilson top and tailed the innings with fine control and finished with 3-14 off eight overs.

Sedgwick needed an unbeaten half-century from youngster Bailey Ilsley to collect the points over California Gully.

Chasing 156 for victory, the Rams were in trouble at 7-119 and then 8-132.

Teenager Ilsley stood up well under pressure for Sedgwick.

Batting at number seven, Ilsley made 53 not out off 51 balls to guide the Rams home with just an over to spare.

California Gully opening bowler Shaun O'Shea (4-22) did the damage with the ball.

Earlier, California Gully lost its final nine wickets for just 52.

The Cobras set a good foundation at 1-103, but lost their way in the final 15 overs and were bowled out for 155.

Sedgwck skipper Greg Thomas took 4-15, while Jesse O'Connell top-scored for the Cobras with 58.

Top-of-the-table Spring Gully made Emu Creek's final four quest harder with an emphatic win at Strathfieldsaye.

The Crows restricted Emu Creek to 7-165 off 40 overs on the back of good bowling from James Fox (3-35) and Alex Sutton (2-30).

Luke Bennett (42) and Kieren Burns (39) were best with the bat for the home side.

In reply, Spring Gully's top-order torched the Emu Creek attack.

It took just 25 overs for the Crows to post 2-180.

Jesse Marciano (62 not out off 68 balls), Lachlan Brook (52 not out off 40 balls) and Shaun Makepeace (45 off 28 balls) made light work of the run chase.

An unbeaten century from opener Matt Felini was the highlight of Maiden Gully Marist's win over West Bendigo.

Felini smashed 105 not out and was involved in an unbroken partnership of 125 with Leigh Draper (53 not out) as Maiden Gully Marist reeled in West Bendigo's total of 163.

Felini hit 21 fours and faced just 77 balls.

Luke Hickman (3-15), Shane Rabbitt (2-15) and Alex Gorrie (2-22) put the clamps on the West Bendigo batting line-up.

Paul Colbert top-scored for West Bendigo with 43 and Travis O'Connell made 34.

Mandurang kept its finals hopes alive with a comfortable win over bottom side Axe Creek.

After winning the toss and batting, Axe Creek was well-placed to set a testing total when it was 3-111.

However, in a stunning collapse the Cowboys lost 7-4 to be all out for 115.

Mandurang's Bailey Rashleigh (4-18) and Joe Pezzelato (3-13) tore through the lower-order.

Wayne Hodgkiss (31) led the way for Axe Creek.

In reply, Mandurang finished 4-163 when stumps were drawn in the 30th over.

Shaun Candy made 85 off 80 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes.

Next week: Cal Gully v Spring Gully, West Bendigo v Emu Creek, Axe Creek v Sedgwick, United v Maiden Gully, Marong v Mandurang.

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