YARRAVILLE is the under-15 RM Hatch Shield west group yardstick after the opening week of action across the western suburbs.
The Eagles are perched atop the standings after winning three of their opening four matches.
They have winners in all facets from the bowling of Kavisan Thavarajah (eight wickets at 8.38) to super striker Alex Hussey (172 runs at 43).
Victories came over Werribee, Sunshine and Broadmeadows, but a loss to second-placed Melton was a reminder of the task ahead.
Altona is best placed outside the top two to make a run to the finals.
The third-placed A's were one of four teams to have a bye in week one and they get an extra opportunity to make up ground on Yarraville and Melton, who have their byes in the second and final week.
James Hicks (seven wickets at 5.29) and Fahad Ali (61 at 30.5) were outstanding when the A's triumphed in two of the three games last week.
Williamstown won just one of their three matches, but promising signs could be found from the performances of Jack Johnson (seven wickets at 11.26) and Jack Mattsson (75 at 25).
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