Norths turned in their best performance since posting 4/407 and missing out on an outright win by just two wickets against the Plovers in round six.

Just as importantly the win, in which skipper Mike Wilson top scored with 46 not out, came without any input from star all-rounder Lincoln Mills.

“It was a relief, our form after Christmas has been abysmal, but that get’s us back into fourth spot and back in the mix,” Wilson said.

“It was good to get some runs myself, but more importantly so many players had an input making either runs or getting wickets.

“It was a result and a performance we really needed. 

“Both sides performed well and we bowled really well to get them out for 208 in the last over.

“Mitch Nolan (40) and Logan Smith (42) gave us a really good start. Ben (23) and Matt Sugden (26 not out) both got 20s and Ian Wood chipped in with 19 in a hurry.

“We were able to build partnerships and not lose wicket together to keep the momentum going.

“Tim Field and Ben Sayers both picked up three wickets each and Jordan Callinan and Ian Wood got a couple each as well.”

The win lifts Norths to fourth spot on 36 points, one point behind Kurri Weston in third. Raymond Terrace are fifth on 32 point with Wests sixth on 31 and Port Stepthens seventh on 30. 

Easts on 18 points  are now effectively out of the finals race