Norths bundled the young Lions out for just 41 after posting 241 on a tricky wicket on day-one of their semi-final at Robins Oval.

The reigning premiers had contributions across the squad, however, the stars of the match were all-rounders Tim Precott who scored 70 and took 3-16 and Lincoln Mills who made 59 and snared 3-3.

Terry Humphreys claimed 2-6 and Ben Sayers 2-15 to complete the comprehensive win. 

City United must survive a 66-over second dig before they can begin celebrating their thrilling one-run first innings win against Kurri Weston.

With a semi-finals spot up for grabs Kurri Weston will attempt to dismiss City as quickly as possible and give their batsman an achievable target to reverse the result.

City’s Josh Adams held his nerve to have Cameron Bates caught behind, with the Warriors just two runs short of a first innings lead.

Needing four runs to win, City fielder Bumpy Crouch managed to just cut off a Bates shot before it reached the boundary.

Crouch’s effort restricted Kurri Weston to just two runs when skipper Justin Kavanagh declined a risky third run which would have tied the match.

City United and Kurri Weston's first grade cricket semi-final is set for a thrilling end when play resumes on Sunday at Lorn Park.

City were bowled out for 123, but struck back with the ball having Kurri Weston at 6/96 at Saturday’s close of play.

Kurri Weston were seemingly cruising at 2-80 when the crucial wickets of Jack Bennett, Simon Marshall, Michael Heinrich and Tim Harding fell in quick succession.

Raymond Terrace will have to draw on their deep reservoir of batting talent after Northern Suburbs set them a target of 241 at Robins Oval.

The most even and hotly contested first grade cricket season in years steps up another level on the weekend.

The most even and hotly contested Maitland first grade cricket season in years steps up another level on the weekend with semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday.

 Minor premiers Northern Suburbs face form team Raymond Terrace at Robins Oval and Kurri Weston and City United play off for the second grand final spot at Lorn Park.

“You play cricket to play finals and this is looking like the most even finals series in years,” City United skipper Matt Trappel said.

“Any of the four teams can make the grand final. It really is going to be a case of who turns up mentally prepared for the contest as all four teams have strong batting and bowling line-ups.

“The first hour of each day is always critical in determining the tone of play. However, there is no let up. You need to take every chance in the field and knuckle down when needed with the bat and batting out your overs.”

Northern Suburbs has teams contesting finals in all five grades and first grade skipper Michael Wilson said everyone at the club was keen to repeat the 2013-14 season effort of having teams in all five grand finals.

Norths won four premierships that year with only fifth grade missing out losing to City United.

“It’s a big ask to repeat the 2013-14 season effort, but as a club it’s obviously something we’d love to do,” Wilson said.

“I think a real part of our success has been the club’s ability to blend youth and experience in teams and to reward players with spots on ability, irrespective of their age.

“We have young players who are 13 and 14 playing in fourth and fifth grade who deserve their spots. They are not just making up the numbers.

“In first grade we have young Will Fort who is only a teenager and the majority of our team is aged from 22 to 27 and played a lot of cricket together.

“We have real batting depth and a lot of bowling options.

“We like the two-day format but we will have to be at our best as Nick Savage has done a terrific job leading a young Raymond Terrace team.

“They play as a team and have a lot of dangerous players who can turn a game with the bat or ball.

“However, if we are at our best I back us to beat them or any of the other teams in the finals.”

Trappel said City had been really boosted by their recent win against Norths.

“We have been very good in the field. Our opening bowlers are making breakthroughs but also piling on the pressure keeping the scoring opportunities down,” he said.

“Our spinners Blake Chandler and Nick Bower have been in great form and capturing a lot of wickets and keeping the runs down.

“But we have to be at our best as Kurri Weston have some terrific players,” he said.

“Josh Tuckwell can pile on the runs quickly and take the game away from you very quickly. Jack Bennett has been scoring a lot of runs. 

“Any team that has Michael Heinrich and Tim Harding in the batting and bowling line-up is dangerous.”

Northern Suburbs v Raymond Terrace at Robins Oval.

Kurri Weston v City United at Lorn Park.

Play starts at 12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday