Hoppers Crossing and Werribee both piled on the runs in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.
After a couple of tough rounds with the bat, the Cats showed more of what we had become used to the past couple of seasons.
Facing Box Hill, the Cats made 292 but left runs out there as they were bowled out with nearly 10 overs remaining.
It was the top order that set the total up for the Cats, who were sent in.
Captain-coach Simon Lambert top scored with 70, while Arihant Rawal made 63 and Bibek Virk made 47.
Just one other batter besides the top three made more than 30.
Box Hill will start its innings on day two.
A win would go one step further to the Cats cementing their finals spot.
Meanwhile, Werribee continued its good form with the bat against Croydon, which needs to win to have any chance of playing finals.
Having been sent in, the Tigers lost a couple of early wickets to put the pressure back on them.
Skipper Tim O’Brien and Jonathan Burton would be keys for the Tigers as they made 8-271 from their overs.
O’Brien top scored with 91 off 189 balls while Burton, who came in at number eight, made 77.
The Tigers are looking to lock in a top two spot.
Meanwhile, Werribee women’s side claimed victory against La Trobe University in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition shield 1.
The Tigers finish the season with five wins.
In the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s social T20, Hoppers Crossing lost to Bellbridge.
