Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens edge closer to minor premiership

At Hayden Drexel Oval, both teams knew the winner of this fixture would edge closer to securing top spot and with this in mind, it was the hosts that started the stronger.

After falling to be 4/17, the Magpies recovered to post 190 from their 61.1 overs, thanks to 70 from skipper Glenn Brandon.

With the ball, spearhead Nate Jones again led the way with 3/63, while Sam Bagnall (2/9) and Chris Bramley (2/30) both claimed two scalps.

In reply, just like their counterparts, Ex-Servos' openers Bramley (four) and Daniel Gleeson (zero) both failed with the bat.

Up stepped Mathew Ganderton, who along with his cousin Trevor Thomason, put on a 100-run third wicket partnership - after Blake Munilla fell for 18.

Ganderton, who smashed 11 boundaries on Saturday, eventually fell for 84, with the score at 4/170.

But Thomason and Nathan Tyrrell then pushed the hosts' score past Berry's, to secure the important first innings points.

Ex-Servos would end the day at 8/288, with Thomason (76), Tyrrell (46) and Graham Phillis (31) all batting well.

With the cherry, Tom Gibbs (2/5), Daniel Troy (2/32) and Brandon (2/53) all claimed multiple wickets for the visitors.

"It was a fantastic win for us, as we could have gone as low as third, if we had lost to Berry," Ex-Servos skipper Daniel Gleeson said.

"All the boys knew how important it was and that showed through the way Mat Ganderton, Trevor Thomason and Blake Munilla batted - I was really proud of the whole team.

"The win puts us into first and while the minor premiership would be nice, I'm more concerned with securing that top-two spot, given what's happened during the finals the past couple of seasons."

Gleeson said it's now important his troops build off this win against Bomaderry, in the final round of the regular season.

"Overall, it's been a frustrating season, due to the weather - the match against Berry was the first two-day game we finished all year," he said.

"We haven't played much cricket, so it's been hard to get into any rhythm.

"So after a good win against Berry, the last ting we want to do is take a step back against Bomaderry - it's important we produce a polished and professional performance, that can build our confidence ahead of finals."