The pair guided the visitors to 9-288 off their 80 overs at Thornton 1 after being 6-109 before tea. 

Heinrich (97) was dismissed just shy of a century and now leads the Maitland and District Cricket Association first grade player of the year points.

Abel scored a season-high 77 as Kurri Weston went at a run-a-ball for the last 30 overs. 

Earlier in the innings Josh Tuckwell opened for 38.

Elliott Thompson took three wickets while Ricky Mace and Chris Archer had two each. 

Thornton's run chase will be affected by the unavailability of Archer, Matt Gabriel and Jolyian May.

Jono Momsen, Jamie Krake and David Seers are the replacements on day two.

Over at Lorn Park and Matthew Wilks top scored with 86 as Northern Suburbs finished the day at 9-293 against Western Suburbs.

Wilks put on 86 with Jordan Callinan (21) and 71 with Matt Holwell (42) after being 5-125 approaching the main break.

Norths lost 5-62 in a productive period for the visitors after contributions from Lincoln Mills (41), Mitch Saxby (23), Michael Wilson (25) and skipper Josh Callinan (20).

Wests’ best with the ball were Riley Harrison (3-31) and Luke Kealy (2-81).

Mitch Fisher, Luke Merchant and Rob Wheildon all picked up one each for the Plovers.

And at Jack Collins Oval front runners City United need 124 more runs for victory over Raymond Terrace with nine wickets in hand. 

Only all-rounder Kerryn Ball was dismissed as City finished 1-53 at stumps of the two-day encounter.

The Lions had earlier made 176 after being sent into bat with captain Nick Savage making 79.

City spinners Nick Bower and Blake Chandler shared eight wickets between them.