Excelsior set for Grace Shield honours

Eltham High are mounting a spirited challenge heading into today's third and final day of the urban area ISSA/GraceKennedy Shield cricket competition at Melbourne Oval.

However, it is still Excelsior High's match to lose.

Resuming on 70 for five, 158 runs in arrears of Excelsior High's first innings score of 228, Eltham were dismissed for 96 in their first innings.

Part-time left-arm spinner, Raewin Senior, with six for 26, was the chief wicket-taker for the boys from the Mountain View Avenue-based institution, with captain Orande Pearson, a part-time off-spinner, claiming three for 23.

Enjoying a comfortable lead of 132, Excelsior were then bowled out for 178 in their second innings. Pearson, 74, Raymond Hall, 28, and Okachie Brown, 24, scored most runs against the part-time off-spin of Eltham captain, Ramone Francis, who took four for 53. Javion Brown and Leshawn Heslop, picked up two wickets each.

Set 311 for an outright win, Eltham closed the day on 58 for three, 253 runs adrift.