Defending a meagre total of just 126, the MUCC 1st XI were in need of early wickets. The first of these came on the day's fourth ball, with Brett Harrop dismissing Melbourne opener Ben Way for a duck. Harrop claimed another wicket in a fiery first spell and with further wickets to Greg Kennedy and Nick Williams, MUCC had Melbourne in trouble at 4-40. Looking to gain the ascendancy, MUCC had strong early shouts turned down against middle order players Simon Dart and Peter Petricola, before the Dees duo put together a handy 54 run partnership to put Melbourne within sight of victory. The wicket of Dart for an even 50 gave MUCC a glimmer of hope, before the Dees eventually claimed the points (and the Michael Sholly Cup) for the loss of 5 wickets. Stumps were drawn at tea with the score on 5-155.

MUCC's loss sees them all but out of the running for a finals berth in season 09/10. 

Following a brilliant century from Anthony Barton the previous week, the MUCC 2s set out to defend a modest total of 222 on a flat Albert wicket. Strong opening spells from Tim Rankin and Hugh Van Cuylenburg went largely unrewarded as Melbourne went to lunch only 1 down. After the break, MUCC tried hard to take crucial wickets but Melbourne were patient with their batting, sweating on loose deliveries and taking full advantage of a fantastic batting surface. In the end, we were out played with The Demons, who passed our score with only 5 wickets down. Tim Rankin continued to impress with 2 wickets and a couple of chances put down, supported well by Hugh Van Cuylenburg (2 for 40 of 18 overs).

Unfortunately, the loss will make finals a difficult prospect but either way, the final round against Carlton will be crucial to show what this side is capable of.

The 3rd XI played a reduced game after day 1 was washed out. Both teams were still keen to claim the points. Knowing a win would secure a finals berth for them; Uni won the toss and sent the Dees in on a grassy deck. The Dees were immediately on the back foot, with opening bowler Mark Stafford (14 overs 7 maidens 2-19) continuing his great form from last week by taking early wickets. Tom Williams (9 overs 5 maidens 2-13) also showing his hard work is paying off with great control and penetration in his bowling. All the bowlers bowled fantastic line and lengths against an in form Melbourne batting line up who had smashed 300odd in their previous match. When Steven Flight (12 overs 3-32), playing against his old club, took his 2nd wicket Melbourne had slumped to 6/41 and from this point the batsmen went totally into their shells. Tea came and went and so did the intent from the Dees batsmen. Skipper Pat Halpin resorted to throwing the ball around, even to himself for an over, to see if MUCC could get the last few wickets. The declaration eventually came at 9/121.

MUCC were set 122 to win off 20 overs. On a slow deck and lush outfield this was always going to be a tough ask. The chase never got going as wickets fell searching for quick runs. It was left to Matt Kiely (20no) and Jude Fernando to see out the remaining overs. Uni eventually finished at 5/56. It has set up a must win scenario next week, a positive being that it is in our own hands.

At the Ian Johnston Oval the MCC 4th XI resumed at 6 for 152. The MUCC bowlers were looking to make early breakthroughs to keep the target to an achievable one. The Dees again showed patience and minimal intent to get on with the match – as was apparent the previous week. Andy Thomas and Matt Doyle bowled tight lines to begin before the strayed a little in the search for the elusive wicket. Skipper Mark Bhattacharyya swung the changes and was desperately unlucky not to have claimed wickets in his first few overs, including a huge caught behind appeal. At the other end Lachie Richards (3/44) collected 2 in an over off his new improved shortened run up. As the Demons pushed beyond 200 Hamish Bull (3/36) was introduced to take the 9th wicket before a run out ended the innings at 235.

With just 50 overs to chase down the target it was always going to be a difficult task. The game was really ours to lose. After a nice start between youngsters Liam Alexander and Jarryd Crisp it was looking like we would get to tea none down. Unfortunately 2 wickets in the last 2 overs put an end to that. After tea things got worse as the Melbourne side intimidated the umpires into making a couple of howling decisions to leave MUCC teetering at 4/31. Keeper James Graham then came to the rescue as he played his best innings for MUCC. He was supported well by a Tim Wetherell (26) cameo. In the end number 10 Andy Thomas (8no) was forced to play out the last 10 overs with Graham who ended unbeaten on 60. Although disappointing not to win the match the 4s showed great resolve in not losing. Sitting in 7th position the 4s will be hoping to defeat Carlton in the final round to push as high as possible up the ladder.

MUCC 5th XI lost the toss to the Reds and bowled. A tight opening spell and from Adam Pustola and irregular new ball bowler Jose Mampallil, as well as slow outfield conditions, reduced the opposition to 3/13 off 15 overs. From that point on, some dogged partnerships pushed the Reds total into the respectable range, with disappointing missed half chances forcing MUCC to bowl all day. The final score: Reds 9/170cc off their 75 overs, with one Reds opener batting all day to score 72no. MUCC wicket takers were Pustola, outstanding with 4, while Mampallil and Chris Guy took 2 each, and a single wicket to Aaron D'Souza. A solid 75 over batting effort will be required next week to get MUCC over the line.

The VWCA XI needed to secure a win in the second last match of the season against Edinburgh to be assured of making the finals however a loss would not totally put finals out of reach. Uni started by losing the toss and in the field did well to keep the opposition to 7/143 from 37 overs. The effort in the field included two run outs, 2/28 to Zoe, 1/31 to Madeleine, 1/37 to Laura and 1/23 to Rachelle. In reply Uni started slowly, a handy 3rd wicket partnership of 56 by Ledene and Madeleine put us within reach of the target, however at the end of the game we only managed 9/109 from the 37 overs.