Cleary had been limited to Twenty20 games because of work commitments, but claimed 3-8 off seven overs to have the Kookas 5-27, chasing Kiama's 164.

"It was a great spell and just what we needed in a big game," Kiama skipper Matt O'Brien said.

"Glenn hasn't been able to play much but bowled left-arm in-dippers and is a very handy addition to our bowling stocks.

"We're third and if we win this game we'll be looking very good to make the semis."

Kiama went into the clash 30 points behind co-leaders Oak Flats and Lake Illawarra but 31 points - or two first innings wins - clear of fourth-placed Kookas.

With runs difficult to come by due to a very slow outfield, Kiama opener Nathan Barr (37) top scored and Kiama's 164 looked more like 180-plus.

Callum deBruyn took 6-51 for Kookas.

"Hopefully the outfield will be quicker on day two but 164 wasn't a bad score and we backed it up with the ball," O'Brien said.

Fourth-placed Kookas are just four points clear of Albion Park and six points ahead of last-placed Shellharbour, with all three clubs having just one win after seven rounds.

Meanwhile, Lake Illawarra are in a strong position to claim an outright victory over Shellharbour after dominating the opening day at Tom Willoughby Oval.

Lakers skipper Brendan White took 6-13, with Shellharbour back in the sheds for just 69.

Lachlan Ritchie (25) played a lone hand for Shellharbour, with the Lakers finishing day one 5-189, a lead of 120.

Scott Ulcigrai is unbeaten on 56, his brother Mark made 44 and opener Tony McCabe 48.

Albion Park bowled well to dismiss Oak Flats for 171, but the Rats are in a strong position in the clash at Keith Grey Oval.

Oak Flats opener Kerry Penfold (44) top scored, while Matt Lea took 3-43.

The Park resume at 6-88, after being 6-45, with Pat Plummer unbeaten on 43.

Rob Hill has taken 3-13 for Oak Flats, who will be looking to quickly wrap up the innings to set up a push for an outright win.