The first eight rounds have been dominated for the unbeaten Lakers, and Oak Flats who are assured of finishing top two, with top spot likely to be decided when the clubs meet in round 10.

  Kiama have a strong hold on third spot; 30 points behind the top two sides, but 31 points, or two first innings wins clear of fourth placed Kookas.

In Saturday’s  opening day of the round nine two-dayer, Kiama host Kookas at Cavalier Park in a crucial match for both clubs.

 Kiama can virtually clinch a top four spot with a victory, while Kookas can’t afford a defeat if they are to make the semi-finals.

  In the other round nine games, it has been a tough season for Shellharbour, who host the Lakers at Tom Willoughby Oval. 

  Shellharbour have just the one win all season but were spirited in losses to Kiama and the Lakers in the final round of the Twenty20 comp last Saturday.

  Scorpions youngster Jayden Heathcote made a fine unbeaten 59 in the loss to Kiama, but Shellharbour will have to contain the strong Lakers batting to be competitive today. 

In Saturday’s  other clash, Albion Park are second from bottom and need to get their season going against Oak Flats at Keith Grey Oval.

   Just six points separate fourth-placed Kookas and last-placed Shellharbour giving all clubs plenty to play for over the final three two-day rounds.

  Ladder: Oak Flats 97, Lake Illawarra 97,  Kiama 67, Kookas 36, Albion Park 32,  Shellharbour 30.