The twists and turns of an intriguing Maitland first grade cricket season will go into the final week of the regular season before a top four is finalised.
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Kurri Weston has booked their spot, to join City United and Thorton, after claiming first innings points on day one of their encounter against Northern Suburbs at Kurri Central.
However, in a twist which would deny Western Suburbs a spot even if they win their final match against Raymond Terrace, Northern Suburbs can still make the finals if they pull off a second innings victory and collect six points.
Wests have put themselves in a strong position finishing on 5/249. Co-skippers Tom Irwin with 85 and Mitchell Fisher 71 not out led the way along with Shannon Threlfo who made 51.
It's now up to their bowlers to dismiss Raymond Terrace and Kurri Central to beat Norths.
In another twist an outright victory by Kurri Weston could possibly deliver them the minor premiership at the expense of City United or Thornton who are evenly matched after day one of their clash with City making 8/202.
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Norths paceman Ben Sayers continued his outstanding form to take five wickets as Norths dismissed Kurri Weston for 113 only for Alex Seamer to match his feats taking 5-52 as Norths were all out for 87.
Norths all-rounder Lincoln Mills said the wicket had caused havoc for both teams with its inconsistent bounce.
"It's disappointing, it's probably the worst pitch we have played on and in our most important match of the year," Mills said.
"The bounce was just so inconsistent. One ball would fly up off a good length and another would keep low.
"Logan Smith was out to a ball which just just along the ground to bowl him.
"Having said that it wasn't an 87-all-out deck. We needed to bat better and will need to bat better if we are to get the points next week.
"Our batting has been the biggest issue for us all season.
"Ben Sayers was outstanding again with the ball, picking up five wickets. He probably has 20 wickets in the past four matches. He is the form bowler of the competition.
"The one positive is that we are still in a position to finish in the finals. Kurri Weston are in after taking first innings points but if we win the match we collect six points, they receive four and we will both get into the finals.
On a day were runs were at an absolute premium, Simon Marshall's 44 for Kurri Weston was worth 100 on another day and Lachlan Neild made a valuable 21.
After 20 wickets fell on Saturday, Kurri Weston will resume on 0/6 next week.