After their best day in the field in which they secured three run-outs to dismiss Raymond Terrace for 199, the Thunder lost just two wickets in reeling in their target with 7.3 overs to spare.

Led by an unbeaten 76 by skipper Jake Moore, the Thunder returned to the type of form which almost carried them to last season's grand final.

"It's after Christmas now, this is usually when we start winning games," Moore said of his side's perplexing slow starts to the season.

"It was probably our best all-round performance this season, with batting, bowling and fielding.

"We haven't really put a decent game together up to now, we've either batted really well and bowled bad or the other way around.

"It was good to have a consistent game."

Matt Gabriel continued his good form with the bat making 44 not out after Jamie Krake and Jono Gabriel gave Thornton a solid start.

Dean Bradford led the attack with three wickets and there were three run-outs as several Terrace batsman made starts but couldn't go on with it.

Moore said history over the past two years suggested the race to the finals was still wide open.

"We're no different to any other year, the last two years we've made it we've only ever won one game before Christmas. We've just got to keep winning now to keep it alive."

Raymond Terrace are fourth on the ladder with 31 points, Thornton are seventh with 21.