THE realists would say Old Essendon Grammarians is a long shot to reach the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division finals with its heavy reliance on other results in the last round needed to secure a top-four berth.

Bombers' spinner Paul Shipp is aware of the long odds associated with his side's finals push, but the March madness is not the only motivating factor as it enters the second day's play with Keilor at the Penleigh and Essendon Grammar Oval on Saturday.

"We have to win, that's all we have to worry about," he said. "If we do win, the chances are still pretty slim.

"It's a big game for us anyway being the local derby against Keilor."

The Bombers were rolled for 211 in 70.5 overs. Let's just say both sides do not see eye to eye on what that score means.

Shipp is adamant the match is "even" with Keilor 1-29 in reply at stumps, but Keilor coach Matt Willmott had another theory.

"We're confident we can get the runs," he said.

Either way, it is going to be a nail-biting finish.

"It's around about a par score for our ground," Shipp said. "To get one wicket before stumps was pretty handy given it was one of their better bats."

Matt Baker claimed the vital scalp of Lucas Bugeja before stumps.

Earlier in the day, the Bombers, minus star English import Tim Linley who returned home with injury, built their score on the back of Sydneysider Adam Dudderidge (72) and in-form Hugh Lovell (60 not out).

Meanwhile, much interest surrounds the north-west derby between Airport West-St Christophers and St Bernard's Old Collegians. Will the West Saints stitch up a top-two finish?

Can the Snowdogs scrape into the finals after starting the round in fifth position? After day one at Etzel Street Reserve, the match is a genuine toss of the coin after the West Saints posted 172 and the Snowdogs are 3-42 in reply.