The new ball bowler has been in rare form this season with 10 wickets already to his name for the miserly cost of just 70 runs.

Bates took 5-46 in the season opener against Thornton, backed it up with 3-23 against Easts in the second round and, in a late afternoon burst last Saturday, took 2-1 from three overs against Tenambit Morpeth.

It looks a tough struggle for the Bulls who resume at 4-2 - the damage being done in just six overs - chasing the Terrace's 9-196 declared.

It leaves Terrace looking good to consolidate what has been an outstanding start to the season. After beating Thornton in the opening round in a tight match, they comfortably overhauled Easts last match, losing just two wickets in chasing down 180 to win.

With Tenambit wobbling, they are well placed to make it three from three.

There are a couple of evenly poised games.

At Thornton, Norths need an early partnership, resuming at 2-78 in reply to Thornton' 200 - both wickets fell late in the day which would be a frustration for Norths captain Lincoln Mills.

Easts, at 2-109, are in a solid position to take first innings points from Kurri (174) at East Maitland Park.

And it will be interesting to see how City United skipper Matt Trappel plays things when his side resumes at 7-205 in reply to Wests 173. With the captain unbeaten on 76, and Josh Trappel back from rep duty, they will give themselves a hope of taking major points.