Oak Flats opener Kerry Penfold hammered an unbeaten century as the Rats defied an otherwise storm-savaged round in South Coast cricket with a nine wicket thrashing of Albion Park at Geoff Shaw Oval.
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The other two Premier League games were called off due to lightening and thunderstorms, but Oak Flats won a shortened one-dayer against the struggling Eagles.
Albion Park posted a competitive 4-184 off their allotted 40 overs, led by Hayden Church (45), Kieran Gilly (40 not out) and 38 from skipper Adam Coughlan.
But former Oak Flats skipper Penfold, back with the club after a stint playing for Berry was at his majestic best with an unbeaten 104, as the home side blasted 1-188 off just 30 overs.
Darren Mansfield (45) and Rob McMahon (33) played support roles in a win which keeps Oak Flats in contention to make the one day final.
This season the six Premier League clubs play five one-dayers to start the season with the top two sides qualifying for the final.
Oak Flats lost to Lake Illawarra in round one, but have beaten Kiama and now Albion Park to be second behind the Lakers after three rounds.
‘‘You can’t afford more than one loss really in this one-day comp, so it’s a big result for us,’’ Oak Flats skipper Ryan Chatterton said.
‘‘We still need to improve our bowling but our batting was good and Kerry did what he has done many times before for us.’’
Meanwhile, Lake Illawarra were 3-121 off 26 overs and heading for a big total against Shellharbour when the match was called off at Howard Fowles Oval.
‘‘You don’t like games interrupted by the weather; it’s frustrating,’’ said Lakers skipper Brendan White.
Mark Ulcigrai (50) and brother Scott (38) batted well for the Lakers.
At Oakleigh Park, Kiama were on top at 1-101 in the 26th over against Kookas.
Opener Ben King-Gee (68 not out) had his sights on a century when the storm put an end to play.
In Saturday’s round four, Shellharbour host Oak Flats; Kiama are at home to the Lakers and Albion Park welcome Kookas.