Opening batsmen Kerrod White was run out without facing a ball in the first over and the Lakers were struggling at 4/50. 

However, a 198 run partnership between Brendan White, 160, and Ryan Maguire, 128 not out, ensured the competition leaders were able to set an imposing total of 5/356.

“We were on the ropes but Brendan and Ryan saw out the new ball and punished some bad bowling.” Lake Illawarra captain Mark Ulcigrai said.

Lake Illawarra then made relatively light work of the second innings, bowling the Rats out for 182 off 36.1 overs.

“The wicket was flat, we bowled well and everyone chipped in. We also fielded really well, took some good catches, had two run outs, so it was good to see the guys putting things from training into practice.”

The competition now shifts to the Twenty20 format.