Mills’ innings came off just 148 balls and included eight fours and eight sixes and gave Norths the platform to score 305.

“On any other ground in the competition it probably would have been 200,” Norths skipper Mike Wilson said of Mills’ third ton of the season going with his 121 against Easts in round one and 175 to set up an outright win against Wests.

“It was a good wicket, but Lincoln was in the zone. In the past he may have got out with 60 or 70, but he he is scoring centuries now and big centuries.”

Norths lost their first wicket in the first over when last week’s top scorer Mitch Nolan was out for a duck.

Ben Sugden came in made 37 in a 179 second wicket partnership with Mills.

Mills finally was dismissed with the score on 201, but in a good sign  for Norths they kept the momentum going with Logan Smith scoring 35 and Wilson 31, with late contributions from Ian Wood (16) and Tim Field (11).

Lions skipper Steve Smith led his side in a long day in the field taking 5-88 from 18.3 overs.  Daniel Upward was the other multiple wicket-taker finishing with 3-36 from 15.

Ben Sayers picked up a late wicket for Norths leaving Terrace on 1/9 from five overs.

Wilson said it was good to get a wicket at the end, but he Norths would need to be at their best in the field to ensure a win.

“It’s a very good score, but Raymond Terrace have a good batting line up and it was an excellent pitch to bat on.

“It’s a must-win game for us as are the last two as well if we are to make the finals.

“It’s been a tough road home. We play the top four teams in our last four games with Thornton last week, Terrace and then City and Kurri Weston to come, which are both away.