Norths, who have won their last three matches, was sent to the field to bowl first on Saturday after the hosts at Lighthouse Oval won the toss.

Openers Matthew Moodley and Angus Rutherford started solidly for United before the former fell for seven - with the score at 26.

Conrad Greenshields then joined Rutherford in the middle and the pair put on 35 runs before Hugh Gillen had the former caught leg before wicket for 21.

At 2/61, United was in a solid position but things quickly change, as the hosts lost their remaining seven wickets for just 34 runs.

Alex Baccarini came and went for a duck - being bowled by Gillen.

Peter King then added eight before Daniel May dismissed him - leaving United at 4/81.

The key to United's innings Rutherford fell three runs later, for 35, which signalled the end for the hosts.

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Robert Saker (zero), Aaron Wester (one), Matthew Shea (two) and Terry Dorrell (10) all followed in quick succession, as United were all out for 95 in the 45th over - with Malcolm Granger finishing at one not out.

Skipper Justin Weller led the way for Norths with 4/22 from his 18 overs - including six maidens.

Fellow opener May also bowled sharply, finishing with 3/30, while Gillen chipped in with 2/12.

"I'm stoked with the way the boys bowled - everyone who came into the attack did everything I asked of them," Weller said.

"Ulladulla is a quality side, so to restrict them to 95 was a massive effort."

In reply, despite a slow start which saw Hyeon Parsons dismissed for two, Norths easily claimed first innings points on day one.

An unbeaten 50 by Shane Bell and 31 from Nick McDonald helped Norths to 1/101 at stumps - holding a lead of six runs heading into next Saturday.

Saker (1/13) was United lone wicket-taker.

"We knew coming into this round we needed a big win to get back into the top four," Weller said.

"The way Shane [Bell] and Nick [McDonald] batted was awesome - to get the first innings on day one was massive finals boost.

"But we know we still have only done half the job.

"Cricket is a funny game and we know we still have to play well next week."

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Heading into this round, Norths sit in fifth spot, 12 points behind Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens for that all-important fourth finals spot.

So Weller knows an outright win in this penultimate round would go a long way to securing them a top-four position.

"I'm hoping the boys can spend some quality time at the crease next week, as we've had a disrupted season," he said.

"When we feel the target is big enough, we will go for the outright win."

Although Norths season hasn't gone as well as they had hoped thus far, Weller is confident his troops are hitting their straps at the right time.

"I'm really happy with the momentum the boys are playing with at the moment," he said.

"We know we are best suited to the two-day format, so to snatch two wins before Christmas now to grab a couple after, is very pleasing.

"If we continue to work hard, I'm sure the results will go our way."