Openers Josh Holden and Rowan Purkiss started promisingly and put on 23 before Purkiss edged one and was caught in slips . His wicket triggered a collapse in which the Bears lost 4-16 including the in-form pair of Paul Evans and Brad Francis.

But the experienced middle order led by Gavan Wills and Ash Henry started to wrest control with a 28-run partnership before Wills was out for 14. Henry's half-century included four boundaries, despite a slow outfield.

James Davies soaked up 67 balls before he was out lbw for a handy 28. Henry soldiered on until he was out for an innings-high 66. Simon Cornell chimed in with 13 to help get the total to 167.

With 13 overs to bowl before stumps, the Bears' bowlers came out roaring, led by Cornell, who struck early with two wickets and was soon followed by James Prendergast to have the opposition 3-28 at stumps on day one.

Another woeful batting performance by Berwick's turf 2 top order put them on the backfoot against Dandenong West.

Berwick was 4-40 before Adam Watson and Matt Crosby put on 62 for the fifth wicket. Watson looked in control before he was caught at gully for 22. Shaun Butler played with his usual aggression but chopped one onto his stumps and was bowled for 21 with the score at 6-139 before tea.

When Crosby, the last of the recognised batsman was out, the last few wickets fell quickly and the Bears were all out for 153. Berwick bowled without luck early but couldn't sustain the pressure and the Dandenong West batsmen cut loose to be 1-159 at stumps.

It was a day of two halves for Berwick A grade against North Dandenong. The Northerners were in control at 1-100 after 30 overs before leg spinner Michael Dalzotto was introduced with devastating effects as the Bears took 9-70. Dalzotto was unplayable and took 8-41. With eight overs to play before stumps, Dalzotto was then called on to bat with Berwick losing a quick wicket and finishing the day at 1-3.