ILLAWARRA CRICKET
Keira wrapped up Illawarra cricket's minor premiership by beating second-placed Helensburgh, while Wollongong maintained their push for a top-two spot with a thumping win over Corrimal on Saturday.
Keira (155-9) finished one wicket short of a 20-point victory over the Burgh (123-9) in a game reduced to 45 overs. But the winning draw was enough for Illawarra to claim the minor premiership with three rounds remaining.
The Burgh took five points for a winning loss, which skipper Tim Lloyd said was a good result.
"We were in a winning position for a while, but in the end we're happy to have got some points out of the game," Lloyd said.
"It keeps us ahead of Wollongong. I'm happy Wollongong won because we want to beat them in a couple of weeks and take second spot."
Jonathon Cook (30) top-scored for Keira, and Josh Piper took 5-28 for the Burgh.
Keira skipper Graeme Batty then took 3-37 with Vic Lubbers (38) top-scoring for the home side.
Meanwhile, on a wet deck at Ziems Park, Wollongong batted well. They made 183-8, then rolled the Cougars for just 66.
"It's the most rewarding win we've had for a while," Wollongong captain David Studholme said.
"We've needed this challenge to beat a top-four team and it keeps our top-two hopes alive."
Cam Johnson (56) top-scored but had to retire with a finger injury, and Andrew Hicks (36 not out) held the lower order together.
Corrimal skipper Rob Fisher claimed 3-35 but the home side put in their worst batting effort of the season, with Tom McDevitt (25) the only resistance. Shane Fanning (4-12) and Geoff Golding (3-15) were outstanding for Wollongong.
Meanwhile, Balgownie No 10 Michael Toussis smashed a four to give the Magpies a one-wicket win over Wests Illawarra in a low-scoring thriller at Figtree Oval.
Wests were defending just 89, with Maciu Gauna (32) top-scorer. Kody Freeman took 5-21 for Bally and, batting at No 9, made a crucial 25. Toussis (7 not out) was the hero, in a game reduced to 42 overs.
In other round 15 games, Northern Districts (212-6) thrashed University at Hollymount Park.
Jackson Stewart (55) and Josh Colmer (47) led the way for the Butchers.
Luke McNamara took 2-3 and top-scored for the Students with 25. Cam Nupier took 4-40 for Norths.
Port Kembla (5-159) beat Dapto (158) at King George Oval.
Ladder: Keira 266, Helensburgh 192, Wollongong 190, Corrimal 163, Dapto 145, Port Kembla 128, Norths 121, Balgownie 110, Wests Illawarra 49, University 48.