Vijay Karthik smashed a run-a-ball century to lead a University fightback to gain the upper hand against premiers Keira in Saturday’s  rematch of last season’s final.

 University recovered from 3-15 and 7-117 at Keira Oval to post 283, led by Karthik’s 106, with his second 50 off just 28 balls.

  Uni were still in trouble at 7-117 before Karthik and Sandeep Kunder (63), batting at No9, put on 114 for the eighth wicket to push the Students towards 300.

 Taun Stanham (59) also made a key contribution. 

Neel Honavar took 5-102.

 The Lions will resume at 0-41 in a solid start to a tough run chase.

 Keira claimed their first premiership in 26 years with a rain-marred draw against Uni in last season’s final, but need to bounce back after a loss to Wests Illawarra in round one.

 In other round-two games, Corrimal have done what no club could manage all last season – beat Balgownie in the regular season – following a tumultuous day at Judy Masters Oval.

 Twenty one wickets fell in perfect batting conditions, with Bally back in the sheds for just 103 before dismissing the Cougars for 146. 

Xavier McDevitt took 4-26 for Corrimal and his brother Thomas made 72.

Balgownie will resume on day two at 1-52 – a lead of 10. Both sides are chasing an outright win.

‘‘We didn’t bat well but our bowlers have us back in the game,’’ new Balgownie skipper Corbin Brown said.

 ‘‘It’s a second-innings game now and we think we can still win outright.’’

 Meanwhile, Dapto are poised to claim first-innings points after dominating Wests at Reed Park.

Dapto skipper Dale Scifleet took 4-18 as Wests were dismissed for 144.

 Dapto will resume at 2-92 with Greg Jones (38 not out) and Troy Gasseling (36no) at the crease.

‘‘We did what we had to and hopefully can push on and get the points and then get a good lead and see what happens,’’ Scifleet said.

Helensburgh (2-97 declared) have taken first-innings points against a disappointing Northern Districts, who were dismissed for just 93.

Steve Blissenden took 4-23 for the Burgh, with the Butchers to resume at 0-3.

Finally, Wollongong (200) and Port Kembla (1-56) are evenly poised after day one at North Dalton Park.

 Matt Harivel (54) top scored for Wollongong, who were 1-79 at one stage. 

Port’s Anthony Purdevski took 4-43.