After posting 251 on day one, thanks to 101 from Nick McDonald, Weller ripped through the hosts line-up on Saturday – seeing them all out for just 62 in the 32^nd over.

From his 14.1 overs, Weller finished with 7/28 with the cherry, with Hugh Gillen (2/15) and Damian Spelta (1/15) picking up the other wickets – as Jason Bell (41) was the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Weller’s side then forced the hosts to follow-on, in an attempt to secure their second straight outright win.

But the hosts dug their heels in and ended the day at 7/159, after 51 overs at the crease.

Jason Bell again top scorer for Nowra, with 41, as both Justin Rumble and Cameron Fernie scored 30 each.

With the ball, the chief destroyer for Norths was McDonald, who claimed 5/23 from his 12 overs – to complete a memorable personal double, after his ton on day one.

McDonald becomes the first player in first grade to achieve such a feat since Bomaderry’s Heath Muller (100 not out and 5/57) did it against Central Districts in 1996/97.

Also worth noting is that McDonald made 68 and took 6/36 while playing for Bomaderry against Nowra in the 2015/16 semi-finals.

James Baston (1/24) and Hugh Gillen (1/32) split the other two wickets.

“Going into day two, we knew Berry-Shoalhaven Heads were in a good position to push for the outright win against Bomaderry,” captain Weller said.

“So we knew once we rolled Nowra, we had to send them back in and push for the outright win again as we want to keep within striking distance of both Berry and Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens – but unfortunately for us, Nowra just held on.”

Elsewhere, the match between Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens and Ulladulla United in a draw, after no play was possible of day two.

United declared at 7/259 on day one, before Ex-Servos reached 0/34 at stumps on day one.

Ex-Servos will now travel to the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex, to take on Weller’s red-hot Norths outfit.

“Heading into this weekend’s big clash with Ex-Servos, I'm happy with the progress of the boys have shown and the performances we’ve been able to put together lately,” Weller said.

“In saying that, we know we still have a lot of improvement to come.

“Our bowling has been really strong all season and as we’ve managed to finally get onto the paddock a couple weeks in a row, our batsmen are starting to show the form I know they're capable of.”

“Nick’s [McDonald] ton last week was crucial, not just for the result but for his confidence and the rest of the boy’s confidence moving forward – as he is probably our most important batsmen.”