California Gully, Kangaroo Flat and Strathdale-Maristians Blue won close matches to prove the battle for top four positions this summer will be tight.

California Gully broke its duck by chasing down Strathdale-Maristians' competitive total of 4-119.

Marcene Haythorpe (21 not out) and Ellena Findlay (21 not out) were the backbone of the Strathdale innings, while Hannah Kenny (2-17) bowled tightly for California Gully.

It was Kenny who gave the Cobras a great start to the run chase.

Kenny hit five fours on her way to 21 off just 10 balls.

Jasmine Burzacott (20 not out) and Jaydene Burzacott (18 not out) batted well as the Cobras celebrated a strong victory.

After a slow start to the season, reigning premier Kangaroo Flat edged out Golden Square by 15 runs.

The catalyst for the win was a superb 56 not out from Sarah Perry.

Perry, who hit seven fours, and Jess Potter (25) led the Roos to a total of 131.

Abby Popple (3-22) wsa the pick of the bowlers for Square, while Paige Conder and Sarah Mannes took two wickets each.

Square's run chase was on track while openers Sarah Mannes and Emma Mannes were at the crease.

They added 64 for the first wicket before Emma fell for 22.

Sarah kept the scoreboard ticking, but when she was dismissed for 49 off just 26 balls Square's innings came crashing down.

From 1-81, Square lost 7-35 to fall 15 runs short.

Potter rounded out a great game by taking 2-9 off five overs. Steph Wearne and Shasta Maher also took two wickets each.

Strathdale-Maristians Blue defeated Bendigo thanks to an unbroken 53-run partnership from Jayne Demeo and Tara Thomas.

Demeo and Thomas came together with Strathdale in trouble at 7-73 chasing 126 for victory.

Demeo (24 not out) and Thomas (18 not out) dug in to guide Strathdale home with 13 balls remaining. Rylie Bell made 22 retired for Strathdale.

Bendigo's best bowlers were Holly Ryan (3-10) and Lila Keck (2-10).

Earlier in the day, Keck (27), Hannah Stuart (21) and Ryan (19 not out) ensured Bendigo had a competitive total to defend.

Strathdale's bowling attack was led by Lanika Thompson (3-10), while Emma Wolters and Jordyn Demeo took two wickets each.

Sandhurst remained on top of the ladder after it defeated the Bendigo Goers by 48 runs.

Sandhurst's Maree Pearce was the player of the match after belting an unbeaten 51 off just 19 balls.

Pearce hit five sixes and four fours in her whirlwind knock.

Kate Shallard (47) also batted well as the Dragons compiled 4-168 off their 25 overs.

Amy Ryan (28), Kylie Ross (18) and Zoe Ross (17 not out) were best with the bat in the Goers' total of 5-120.

Rachel Winfield (2-20) was the only multiple wicket-taker for Sandhurst.

In the final game of the round, West Bendigo proved too strong for Strathfieldsaye.

The Redbacks rolled the Jets for 54 thanks to fine bowling performances from Chloe Kilcullen (3-7), Taylah Murphy (2-7) and Ella Flavell (2-10).

In reply, West Bendigo cruised to 4-104, with Flavell rounding out a great game by making 34 not out off 27 balls.

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