A 26-run win against Melbourne Uni last week made Essendon one of five unbeaten teams still standing in the competition where only the top two of 18 will qualify for the final.

A blazing 74 off 53 balls from Craig Berger was the inspiration last week at Windy Hill as Essendon posted 7-157 and successfully defended the score by limiting Melbourne Uni to 8-131.

Berger then backed up with the ball to take 3-23, while James Ford claimed 3-34.

The margin of victory was enough to keep Essendon's net-run-rate above one, its 1.39 trailing Ringwood only (2.05).

Carlton takes a one-win, one-loss record into tomorrow night's match.

Action at Princes Park starts at 5.15pm.

In weekend action, rain delayed the start of day two between Essendon and Carlton at Princes Park.

Essendon posted 194 on Saturday before Carlton reached 2-84 in reply.

The batting card was a story of missed opportunities for the Bombers, with the visitors reaching 2-140 after being sent in, only to lose 8-54.

MacRae (51) and Benny Howell (43) were top scorers for Essendon.

In last weekend's match against Geelong, Essendon's 172 batting first was not enough as the visitors to Windy Hill reached the target six wickets down. MacRae (46) was top scorer again for the Bombers.

Essendon had 29 overs before stumps on day two and made 1-118 to quash any danger of an unlikely outright result.