The Thunder batsmen survived a torrid test by Terrace’s bowlers but survived it to reach the target  with five wickets to spare.

Thornton’s bowlers set up victory on day one of the two-day encounter dismissing the Lions for just 129.

They resumed at 2-14 and Thornton skipper Jake Moore said as expected Raymond Terrace responded strongly.

“They bowled very well, particularly Nick Savage who troubled everyone,” Moore said.

“They are not the top side by coincidence and they really came out firing.

“But to the boys credit we stuck to it and scored the runs with a few guys contributing.

“That was the type of game we would have lost at the start of the season, but it’s coming together with the bat and the ball.”

Opener Matthew Gabriel top scored with 41, Daniel Willis made 31 and Moore and Jamie Krake were not out at the end on 28 and 26 respectively.

Like last season, the Twenty20 competition has proved pivotal for Thornton.

“Last year and this year we hadn’t won a game until the Twenty20 competition and then found our feet,” Moore said.

“We should push for the Twenty20s before the main season starts, we might fire from the start that way.”

Thornton are unbeaten since round five, with two byes, a draw with City United and wins against Easts and now Raymond Terrace, who they play again next week.