Under a blazing sun, Harman put in a man-of-the-match performance as the reigning premier outplayed Sunbury United in a one-dayer at Gardiner Reserve.

He top-scored with 58 with seven boundaries after opening the batting and then cleaned up the tail to finish with 3-20 after being the fourth bowler used as the Dragons won - 9-173 to 9-144.

Harman is the barometer for his side.

He played a starring role as the Dragons won the premiership last season and was a deserving winner of the prestigious Kevin Sullivan Medal, the competition's highest individual award.

No. 4 Mick Stellings (31) and No. 3 Adrian Barbour (29) also batted solidly for the Dragons.

United's opening bowler Steve Grey captured 5-11 from eight overs in a magnificent display. James Hughes chimed in with 2-22.

The visitors reached 3-115, but lost their way as Harman and Barbour (2-24) kept things tight.

Rupertswood opening batsman Kevin Barker is off to the proverbial flier this summer. He hit six boundaries and two sixes on his way to 96 in his side's convincing win over Riddell - 6-164 to 6-122 - at Rupertswood No. 1 Oval.

Opening bowler Heath Boffey bagged 2-3 from five overs as the visitors struggled to keep the runs flowing.

Opening bowler Leon Cox (3-20) and fourth change bowler Matthew Brundell (3-31) starred as Romsey edged out Macedon - 6-157 to 8-154 - at Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve. No. 6 Matthew Cox top-scored with 42 not out for the visitors.

Lachlan Plowman (39no) and Reece Noble (39) batted well for the home side.

No. 3 Luke Barker top-scored with 64 in Woodend's loss to Bacchus Marsh - 9-167 to 4-170 - at the Woodend Racecourse Oval. Opener Glenn Warner scored 56.

This Saturday's fifth round is another one-dayer.

The draw is: Romsey v Gisborne Dragons, Macedon v Woodend, Riddell v Bacchus Marsh, Sunbury United v Rupertswood.

The GDCA McIntyre Cup ladder after four rounds is: Rupertswood (18 points), Riddell (15), Bacchus Marsh (12), Macedon (12), Sunbury United (12), Romsey (12), Gisborne Dragons (9), Woodend (6).