The Cougars had little to celebrate early on in their 125th season weekend after crumbling to 6/55 against a rampant Uni attack.

 But Trindall (65) stood tall at No. 6 and produced his best knock of the season to anchor a Cougars fightback.

  With  Xavier McDevitt (13 off 80 balls), Pat Dillon (21) and Ryan Hunter (12no) lending valuable support Corrimal put on 120 for the last four wickets to eke out 175.

  Kurt Majoor (4-33) and Simon Irish (3-31) were superb for Uni who finished day one at 2/37, after being 2-12.

 Uni began the penultimate round seven points behind fourth-placed Helensburgh and must win or their semi-final hopes are over.

 Meanwhile, second-placed Keira claimed vital first innings points late on day one against  Balgownie (third) at Keira Oval. 

The Lions bowlers again  did the job, while  Kieren Richards (78no) led the batting against a Bally side missing several key players due to work, weddings or injuries.

 Neel Honavar (4-51) and Nick Bell (3-19) inflicted their own pain  with Bally back in the sheds for only 104. 

Rain delayed but didn’t prevent Keira taking first innings points and the home side will resume at 4/115 – a lead of 11.

‘‘This has just about banked our semi-final spot,’’ Keira skipper Mark Johnston said.

 ‘‘To take first innings on day one against a top four rival is great for us. Kieren batted really well and Neel and Nick led the bowling all day. We’re delighted.’’

  Meanwhile, Wollongong (6/161) have taken first innings points from Wests.

Wests posted 157, led by Sam Benson’s fine unbeaten 56, with Arpit Rastogi (3-35) and David Wood (3-10) bowling well. 

Wollongong went on with the job with a fine partnership from Tim Laws (56no) and Wood (37no).

At Reed Park, Northern Districts will resume at 1/4 chasing Dapto’s 169.

 Richard Marsh (76) and Asham Wanigaratne (47) top-scored for Dapto, who put on 41 for the last wicket. Jamal Banfield, Jackson Stewart and Neil Ryan took three wickets each.

 Helensburgh are on top against bottom side Port Kembla despite not being totally convincing with the bat at King George Oval.

 The Burgh were 2/96 but bowled out for 175 with Christian Lewis (33) top-scorer. Sam Mutch (5-24) was outstanding for Port but they again struggled with the bat and will resume at 5/42.

Ladder (before rd 11): Corrimal 58, Keira 51, Bally 49, Burgh 46,  Dapto 41, Uni 39, Norths 32, Wests 27,  Wollongong 22, Port Kembla 13.