ESSENDON collected a comfortable 59-run win over lowly Northcote in the Victorian Premier Cricket, but did they also unearth a potential star of the future in the process?

Spinning all-rounder Zaheer Hussain was quite impressive with the ball on day two, claiming 3-67 off 21 overs to go with 18 runs at the crease.

The Bombers will host Ringwood over two days in the final round at Windy Hill starting Saturday.

Women's cricket

ESSENDON-Maribyrnon g Park had to settle for a draw with Box Hill in the Victorian Women's Cricket Association district firsts.

The Bombers set a target of 127 with Briana Binch top-scoring for the home side at Aberfeldie Park with 36 off 37 balls.

Box Hill was restricted to 110, but the Bombers fell one wicket short of claiming the points.

Cricket

BUC KLEY Park will warm up for the North West Cricket Association Luscombe Shield finals with a huge run chase against title favourites Gladstone Park on Saturday at Tullamarine Reserve.

The Beavers were set an astronomical 348 for victory.

They were 0-2 at stumps.