REIGNING Victorian Turf Cricket Association Senior Division runner-up Keilor holds the upper hand in the opening round of the 2006-07 season against Old Essendon.
The Blues batsmen spent most of Saturday afternoon gathering runs and compiling a total of 241, which should prove tough for the Grammarians to chase down this week.
Most of the damage was done at the top of the order, but a crucial innings from wicketkeeper/batsman Steven Brne ensured Keilor had a total of more than 200 to defend.
But the performance of the day came from Blues number four Scott Porter, who made a blazing 76 in partnership with four of his team-mates.
When Porter was dismissed with the score at 215, Brne guided the rest of the innings on his way to 51.
Keilor was in the middle for 70 overs before taking to the field to put the pressure on the Old Essendon top order before stumps.
The Grammarians lost opener Mark McLaughlin, bowled by Josh Boyle, before ending the day 1/18.
In Senior A1 division, Sunshine United batted through the day and posted 9/218 against Seddon.
The innings was highlighted by a half century to William Blair (54), and telling contributions from Tim Vaughan (42) and Glen Richmond (39).
East Keilor has the job ahead of it after struggling to contain the batting of Strathmore over 80 overs on Saturday.
The Mores smacked 9/283 away from home, stifled only by Patrick Turk (4/79), Jason McGann (3/33) and John Bell (2/73).
Sunshine Druids will also be chasing runs this weekend, needing 227 to surpass Melbourne High School Old Boys’ first innings total.
In North A1, St Albans is in a strong position after making 184 with the bat and restricting Avondale Heights to 4/18 at the end of the first day.
The match between Keilor Park and West Newport will proceed as a one-day match this week due to Loft Reserve being unavailable on Saturday.
