Aaron McElhinney took a career-best 6-20 to spearhead Corrimal into a strong position against leaders Helensburgh in the top-of-the-table round-nine clash at Helensburgh Oval.
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McElhinney shredded one of the competition's most formidable batting line-ups, before a wagging Helensburgh tail and early breakthrough set up a great day two between the top two sides.
The Burgh were bowled out for 177 after being 8-136, with Corrimal to resume at 1-25. Hayden McRae (42) and brother Mitch McRae (40) top scored for Helensburgh, while Peter Kilby (3-27) lent valuable support to McElhinney.
Cougars skipper Rob Fisher was forced from the field late on day one after aggravating a dislocated shoulder but will be fine to bat on day two.
"We've let them off the hook a bit and might have been chasing 150-odd but still we're in a good position," Fisher said.
"We dropped a few chances and weren't at our best but we've taken it right up to the top side.
"Aaron's bowled great and now the first hour with the bat next week will be crucial."
Helensburgh and Corrimal meet again on Sunday in the Twenty20 final at North Dalton Park.
Meanwhile, in other round-nine games, Balgownie skipper Corbin Brown smashed six sixes to top score with 58 as the Magpies batted well posting 282 away to Northern Districts.
Brown's opening partner James Fleming made 54 and Sam Pointon 42, but Norths are still in the game at 0-38 in reply.
At Uni Oval, Amit Balgi made 71 and Vijay Karthik 50 as the third-placed Students piled on 8-268 against Port Kembla.
Teenager Jason Ralston took 3-47 with Port to resume at 0-11.
Wests need an outright win over struggling Keira to keep their fleeting top-four hopes alive and have taken first innings points at Figtree Oval. Keira were dismissed for 134 with Wests finishing at 7-140.
Finally, sixth-placed Dapto are closing in on first innings points against Wollongong at North Dalton Park.
Wollongong were bowled out for 137 with Dapto spinner Kyle Connor taking 4-9 off just four overs, with the visitors to resume at 6-123, needing just 15 runs for first innings points.
Ladder (before round 9): Helensburgh 50; Corrimal 48; University 47; Balgownie 41; Port Kembla 38; Dapto 28; Northern Districts 25; Wests Illawarra 22; Wollongong 16; Keira 13.
