Wests collected the full points dismissing Easts for a second time with just nine balls to spare at Coronation Oval on Saturday.

But Thornton almost came unstuck finishing on 9/68 chasing 143 off 20 overs.

There were jubilant scenes among the Wests players at Coronation Oval as Nick Rickin was judged lbw off the bowling of Riley Harrison to secure the win in the second last over of play.

“Anyone doubting just how big the east v west game still is for the two sides only had see the two sides’ responses to the result,” Wests co-skipper Tom Irwin said.

“This is a big win for us, no matter where either team is on the ladder beating Easts is always special.”

Chasing 230 from 47 overs to win, the Griffins were all out for 170 but gave it a real shake earlier on with an outstanding 72 by Josh Hicks and an enterprising 35 by Lachlan Wishart.

Wishart top scored with 42 for Easts in their first innings of 108 in which Luke Kealy was star with the ball taking 6/44.

After Tony Fuller dominated for Wests with 85 from their total of 182, Irwin played the key role in the second with 62 as his side made 8/153.

Lucas Sargent took 6/88 in the second innings to finish with nine wickets for the match after Nick Rinkin took 5/19 on day one.

The Plovers were always in control, but their chances of claiming outright points were put in doubt when Kealy injured his shoulder in a fielding mishap.

After his Wests co-capatin Irwin delivered with the bat, Mitch Fisher stood up with the ball and his 4/37 from 13 overs was crucial in stemming the Griffins’ momentum and then swinging it Wests’ way.

“I owe Mitch one as a I cost him a five-for when I dropped a catch off his bowling. Thankfully it didn’t cost us the win,” Irwin said.

“His effort in the second innings with the ball was fantastic. Apart from my dropped catch we held most of our chances in the field as well in the second innings.”

The turning points, however, were two magnificent reflex catches by Mark Copus.

Fielding at short mid wicket Copus somehow managed to pick up the flight and then catch full-bodied drives by Daniel Stoneman and Sargent.

Thornton after being in the driving seat against Port Stephens gave the Pythons a sniff and almost paid dearly.

The Thunder retired on 4/157 before the start of play on day two to lead by 65 after dismissing the Pythons for 92 on day one.

After struggling to pass 160 to date, Ports batsmen clicked to make 7/208 before declaring to leave Thornton a target of 133 from 20 overs.

Craig Hunter (41), Jarrod Moxey (39) and Lleyton Eveleigh (37) and Grant Garland (34) made quick runs to set an enticing run chase of 133.

Jason Eveleigh created all sorts of problems for the Thornton batsman taking 5-18 off 10 overs. Matthew Dean picked up 3-8 but Port were unable to get the last crucial wicket before stumps.

While they fell agonisingly short of their first two-day win, Port’s batsman and bowlers will take a lot of confidence from the match.