Raymond Terrace may have the runs on the board but Eastern Suburbs know they are capable of reeling in the 251 they require for victory at East Maitland Park on Saturday.
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Rewind 12 months and in the corresponding match last season, the Griffins claimed a win with three balls to spare when they finished 7-322 in reply to the 320 posted by the Lions at Jack Collins Oval.
They might not need as many this time around, but if the Griffins managed to reign supreme it would be a matter of history repeating.
This previous performance will give the hosts confidence ahead of the round seven encounter in the Maitland first grade competition.
As will the 298 the Griffins scored in their sole win this season, a one-run triumph over title holders Northern Suburbs at Lorn Park last month.
But success has been few and far between for last season’s semi-finalists and they will be keen to taste it once more before Christmas and breathe life back into their 2014-2015 campaign.
“If we can score 251 this week I’ll be a happy captain,” Griffins skipper Andrew Vickery said.
The Griffins are sitting on nine points in sixth position, one rung and five points ahead of the last-placed and winless Lions.
The Lions’ first innings total of 250, made on the back of half-centuries to Luke Maher (88) and skipper Nick Savage (63), has given Raymond Terrace the best possible chance to open their account.
The young squad struggled in the first two months of competition and were twice beaten outright, but in their last outing they fell just 14 short of Kurri Weston’s 9-259.
This Saturday the Griffins will resume on 0-25.
Play starts at 12.30pm.
Around the grounds and the remaining top grade matches will be played as one-day fixtures after play was washed out on day one.
Kurri Weston host Norths in a battle for second spot while Thornton Park and Western Suburbs meet at Coronation Oval in a clash for fourth. Play starts at 12pm.
Undefeated competition leaders City United have the bye.