The fourth-placed Colts had opened up a nine-point gap over the bottom four teams on the ladder leading into last weekend, and that could evaporate by the climax of this round.

The Colts were bowled out for a disappointing 86 at Wyndhamvale Reserve on Saturday and have already conceded first innings points with the hosts marching on to 4-103 and a 17-run lead. The Vales, on the outside of the four looking in, will press hard for an outright on day two, a result that would sensationally move them into the top four.

The highest-profile match of the weekend was the Hobsons Bay derby between Williamstown Imperials and Newport-Digman Bulls at Fearon Reserve. Top-of-the-ladder Imps have made life difficult for the travelling Bulls with a mammoth 8-337 dec.

Kristian Stebbing (134) produced a top-shelf performance to score his first century since 2006-07. Stebbing featured in a 138-run second-wicket partnership with Duncan Benn (79) and an 87-run third wicket role with Brendan Slattery (41).

Owen Alsop rubbed salt into the Bulls' wounds with a late 40.

The Bulls were 0-10 at stumps.

Gellibrand was cut down for just 132 against West Newport at Digman Reserve. Corey Irving kept the batsmen on their toes with 7-40 off 22.2 overs, including 10 maidens.

Wests were cruising on 0-59 after 16 overs at the close of play with Christian Elliott in fine touch with 47no.

A1 turf: Williamstown Imperials 8-337dec (Stebbing 134 Benn 79 Slattery 41 Alsop 40 Mason 3-82 Collins 3-107) v Newport-Digman 0-10, Wyndhamvale 4-103 v Williamstown Colts 86, Gellibrand 132 (Weston 47 CJ Irving 7-40 CW Irving 2-31) v West Newport 0-59 (Elliott 47no).

A2 turf: Footscray ANA v Hoppers Club 188 (Wills 4-32 Veteha 3-33 Kukucka 2-32).