Terrace resumed on 7/90 chasing Easts 210 and Lions fast bowler Cameron Bates almost pulled off an unlikely first innings victory with a tenacious innings of 60.

It brought back memories for Bates of last year’s dramatic semi-final when he playing with Kurri Weston and was last man out to give eventual premiers City United a two-run first innings victory.

“It was my first 50 in first grade. It was the best I’ve batted for a long time,”  Bates, whose best mate Jaymes Thomas was at the other end on 44, said.

“Agonisingly close is the right description. I was involved in the loss of the semi-final last year. You get so close, it’s just so disappointing to get out at the end after going all the way through from the start of the day.

“Jacob Page got out pretty early and then John (Halloran) came out and was out as well. Jaymes (Thomas) came out and we put on 70 for the last wicket stand, which was a pretty good effort I reckon.”

But as has been the case in this incredibly tight season there were more twists and turns to come with Easts pushed for an outright making 8/218 courtesy of 45 to Andrew Vickery and 46 to captain Jack Bennett.

Spinners Mitchell Pinch (4-65) and Aaron Bills (2-63) were the chief wicket takers.

Thomas top scored with 47 as the Lions held out Terrace for 30 overs finishing on 8/154.

“We had nothing to lose as we had already locked up first or second spot, so it was only going to affect third and fourth spot if Easts got the outright which didn’t affect us,” Bates said.

“East were impressive they could have easily thrown it in after James and I hung around and got runs, but they stuck at it and got the job done.”

Kurri Weston had their first win since round four beating Northern Suburbs by 40 runs.

The Warriors had been on top after the first day posting posting 198 and having Norths in trouble for 6/110.

Alex Seamer got his second five-wicket haul of the season for Kurri Weston picking up a wicket to add to his 4-51 from day one as Norths were all out for 158.

Kurri Weston batted again and were 5/157 when play was called.

Seamer said it was a big day for the club with Josh Tuckwell doing an excellent job in his first game as captain.

“We’re not going to make the finals and are likely to finish on the bottom, but the win was important for us. Sam Dalibozek bowled very well on day two.

“It gives us something to build on for next season and hopefully we can pick up wins in the last two games to finish on a real high.” 

Norths’ paceman Cael Smith also picked up a five-wicket haul taking 5-36.

Thornton got first innings points chasing City United’s total of 100 and pushed on to make 8/207 chasing an outright victory.

However, City were not going to let Thornton steal a break on them in the battle for the finals and were 1/65 when play was called with 15 overs to play.

“We have to win our last two games if we are going to make the semi-finals. The two teams above us Thornton and Wests play each other next week so two wins would get us in ahead of one of those two.”

Wests had the bye and are equal on 32 points with Thornton. City and Easts are on 31 points, however, Easts are all but out of contention with the bye this round