After winning the toss the visitors sent themselves in to bat and soon set a precedent for the rest of the innings.

Despite the early loss of Rocco Battagliolio (5), fellow opening batsmen Tom Dolby did not let this phase him as he stood firm at the crease on his way to 52 runs, which included just one boundary.

Dolby’s partnership with Brendan Hiriart was particularly impressive as Hiriart made his way to 90 runs before he was caught by Graham Lowbridge off a Ryan Lowbridge delivery.

Michael Moodley provided a late surge with 21 runs, but the day ended when the last wicket fell after 74.2 overs with Basin on 226.

Norths had its best bowling attack in form with top performances by Sam Austin (3/41) and Ryan Lowbridge (3/32).

Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s proved why they are the top of the table on Saturday at Hayden Drexel Oval with a solid 185 runs against Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.

Although they looked in trouble at 3/22, skipper David Sloane stepped up to save the day with 54 runs.

Teamed with Keiran Witt (42), the two soon had Ex-Servos looking in a more favourable position.   

Matt Smit (19), Christopher Apps (14) and Syd Weller (10) finished off the innings with Ex-Servos all out for 185.

Berry’s usual bowlers were at their best with Luke Saare proving the best for the day with 3/44 off 19 overs including six maiden overs.

The loss of a wicket was not something Berry was looking for at the end of day one and just two overs in, but they will resume next week on 1/3.  

Over at Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay were running short of players, much to the dismay of opening batsman Tim Hartshort, who ran out of partners on 57 runs not out.

He was given some assistance by Ivan Mylott (23), but his team was all out for 94 runs after 37 runs.

Jordan Pearson (2/21), T Balazic (2/10) and J King (2/19) led Nowra’s bowling attack, with Pearson also picking up two catches.

Despite Nowra’s Bryce Byrne (58), and Brad Ison (30) putting in the hard yards at the crease, Batemans Bay made up for its batting efforts with a strong bowling attack.

Bay’s Hartshorn put in another great effort with 4/23, and was supported by Jake  Cooper to see Nowra finish the day on 8/132.

Over at Bomaderry Oval, an undefeated 63 runs by Ulladulla’s 10th batsman Jed Silver saw Ulladulla’s otherwise average first innings finish on a solid 182 runs.

The visitors were kept at bay by the arm of Bomaderry’s Stuart Jeffrey, who took 6/43 off his 20 overs, including six maiden overs.

Bomaderry jumped into bay and despite losing Callum Mackay for seven runs, got off to a strong start thanks to Andrew Wakefield (37 n.o) and Nick Jennings (20 n.o).

They will resume at 1/70 next week.

EARLY PROMISE: Batemans Bay’s Lachlan Paterson hit this superb shot before he was caught for three runs on Saturday against Nowra.