Strathfieldsaye and Bendigo United, who play in the match of the round this Saturday, shape as the biggest improvers from outside of last year's top four.

Reigning premier Strathdale-Maristians had few troubles in round one and are deserved flag favourites, but the departures of opening bowler Chris Sole and all-rounder James Vlaeminck does make the Suns more vulnerable.

Last season's runner-up Kangaroo Flat lost in round one, but the Roos will win more games than they lose this summer.

Eaglehawk's talent ensures the Hawks will be around the mark when the whips are cracking, while the remaining semi-finalist from last season - Huntly-North Epsom - is down on talent this year, but still has the firepower to match any team on its day.

A united Golden Square outfit scored a gutsy win in round one and the Dogs could well be big improvers after a frustrating run last summer. The remaining three teams - Bendigo, Sandhurst and White Hills - all suffered heavy losses in round one and it will be inteeresting to see how they bounce back from those losses in round two.

BDCA round two preview:

STRATHFIELDSAYE v BENDIGO UNITED

12.30pm at Tannery Lane

The Jets couldn't have been more impressive in their demolition job on White Hills in round one.

Their bowling depth and variety is as good as any team in the competition, while the changes made at the top of the batting order might be the biggest factor if the club is to force its way into the semi-finals.

For the vast majority of last summer the Jets made poor starts with the bat, but the return of the classy Abe Sheahan to open with hard-hitting Pat Felmingham gives the Jets a more potent feel.

Recruit Campbell Love is a valuable addition with bat and ball as well.

The Jets opponents on Saturday - Bendigo United - looked down and out a couple of times against Kangaroo Flat, but showed a great deal of fight to bowl and field their way back into the match.

Pleasing signs for new skipper Clayton Holmes, particularly considering the Redbacks have a new-look group.

The Jets' success is built around taking wickets inside the first 15 overs. If they can make inroads into the Redbacks' top order early on then they'll be tough to beat on their home deck.

Last time: Strathfieldsaye 7-195 d Bendigo United 69.

Selection: Strathfieldsaye.

Player of the match tip: Chathura Damith (Strathfieldsaye).

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KANGAROO FLAT v EAGLEHAWK

12.30pm at Dower Park

The Roos and Hawks meet for the first time since last summer's gripping preliminary final which Flat won by 20 runs.

The Roos had the edge over the Borough last season, winning all three encounters.

Kangaroo Flat was in a winning position in round one against Bendigo United, but let the game slip late.

The Roos will be hoping for a more even spread of contributors this week.

Eaglehawk has no ceiling this summer because of its wealth of young talent, particularly with the bat.

If the likes of Josh Williams, Angus Chisholm and Ben Williams take their game to another level then there's no reason why the Hawks can't contend for the flag.

Those young players get a valuable early examination on Saturday against arguably the best pace attack in the competition.

Last time: Kangaroo Flat 7-153 d Eaglehawk 133.

Selection: Kangaroo Flat.

Player of the match tip: Adam Burns (Kangaroo Flat).

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STRATHDALE-MARISTIANS v WHITE HILLS

12.30pm at Bell Oval

After copping a belting in round one the last thing you want is to face Strathdale-Maristians at Bell Oval in round two.

That's the situation facing a White Hills side that hasn't won at Bell Oval since February 21, 2016.

The good news for the Demons is that Suns' star Jack Neylon won't play on Saturday.

The reason given by the Suns for Neylon's absence - "a weekend away with his girlfriend". That's music to the ears of the Demons' bowlers.

Great to see two talented young players get their chance to make their first XI debut.

The Suns have promoted promising bowler Liam Nihill - son of Strathdale 1994-95 premiership opening bowler, Damien Nihill.

Keeper-batsman Sam Lowes will make his first XI debut for White Hills.

Last time: Strathdale-Maristians 5-214 d White Hills 9-187.

Selection: Strathdale-Maristians.

Player of the match tip: Sam Johnston (Strathdale).

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BENDIGO v GOLDEN SQUARE

12.30pm at Atkins Street

The opening round performances of the Goers and Bulldogs were miles apart.

Bendigo had a shocker against Eaglehawk, while Square dug their way out of trouble to score an upset win over Huntly-North Epsom.

One player doesn't make a team, but the return of Kyle Humphrys from suspension to the Bendigo line-up this week makes a huge difference to the Goers' batting and bowling stocks.

Humphrys can take the game away from his opponents with the in a short time, while his off-spinners are a big part of the Goers' bowling line-up, particularly in the one-day format.

Square's performance last week would have done wonders for the club's confidence. Most players played a role in the win and the Dogs will look to springboard off that win with another strong effort on Saturday.

Last time: Bendigo dr Golden Square.

Selection: Bendigo.

Player of the match tip: Kyle Humphrys (Bendigo).

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HUNTLY-NORTH EPSOM v SANDHURST

12.30pm at Huntly

The playing stocks have diminished slightly this summer, but one of the first rules of tipping in the BDCA in recent seasons is don't tip against Huntly-North Epsom when the Power play at home (unless they're playing Strathdale).

The Power will still be smarting from their final ball loss to Square last Saturday and a 0-2 start, with a couple of tough games ahead in the next three weeks, would put early season pressure on a side that expects to play finals.

Sandhurst had some good moments against Strathdale, but ultimately you have to turn good moments into strong sessions if you're to match it with the best teams in the BDCA.

If the Dragons can build on those good moments then they'll be in the game for a long time against the Power.

Last time: Huntly-North Epsom 8-193 d Sandhurst 164.

Selection: Huntly-North Epsom.

Player of the match tip: Brett Elvey (HNE).

...................................

1. Eaglehawk

Record: 1-0 Points: 6

2. Strathdale-Maristians

Record: 1-0 Points: 6

3. Strathfieldsaye

Record: 1-0 Points: 6

4. Bendigo United

Record: 1-0 Points: 6

5. Golden Square

Record: 1-0 Points: 6

6. Huntly-North Epsom

Record: 0-1 Points: 0

7. Kangaroo Flat

Record: 0-1 Points: 0

8. White Hills

Record: 0-1 Points: 0

9. Sandhurst

Record: 0-1 Points: 0

10. Bendigo

Record: 0-1 Points: 0

Read more: BDCA teams round two

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