The Canaries currently sit seventh on the ladder and require an outright victory to keep their finals hopes alive.  

With that in mind, Marsh sent Wests in to bat after winning the toss, and the move immediately paid dividends. Lleyton Callaway cleaned through the Devils batsmen on his way to his maiden first grade five-wicket-haul. 

The medium-pacer finished with figures of 5-1 off four overs and Wests were bowled out for 48.

“We were hopeful to try and get the victory on day one,” Marsh said. “We gave ourselves 90 minutes at the end of the day to try go through them again. It didn’t work out unfortunately, but it puts us in a strong position for next week.

“Our first innings was outstanding. The bowlers bowled really well and we backed it up in the field. Lleyton took his first five-wicket haul in first grade. It was well deserved after a good year, he hasn’t had the figures that he’s deserved throughout the season.”

The Canaries batted with an eye on the clock, hoping to build a big enough lead to send Wests back to the crease late in the day’s play. Greg Jones ensured that goal would materialise. 

The opener scored 59 as Dapto reached 4(dec)-117 off just 22 overs.

“Greg Jones got the ball rolling for us. He scored his runs in very quick time, it set up the first innings victory and gave us a chance to try and push for outright.”

The outright victory was not to be, with Wests reaching 2-98 at stumps. 

“They batted a bit better and we didn’t bowl as well as we’d liked,” Marsh said. “We went a little bit away from our lines and game plan. Some frustration crept in and their batsmen got away from us a little bit.

“I am confident, though, that with a couple of early wickets we’re a big chance of going straight through them again. The weather is always a big concern, hopefully the rain stays away.”

Elsewhere, Rhys Voysey (6-26) helped fourth-placed University bowl Corrimal out for 161. However, Uni faltered with the bat, limping to 5-68. Key batsman Mitchell Hearn was dismissed with the day’s final ball.

Wollongong have struggled in recent weeks, slipping to fifth on the ladder, however Saturday marked a return to form for the side. Duncan Maddinson (123) led the team to 9-291 at stumps in their important match with Northern Districts. 

Helensburgh captain Mitch McCrae ensured his side held the upper hand in their crucial match with Keira. With second place on the line, McCrae (161) scored his third century of the season to help Helensburgh to 6-300. McCrae combined with Lyndon James (55) for a 121-run second-wicket partnership. 

Competition leaders Balgownie claimed first-innings points over Port Kembla. Jamie Fleming took seven wickets as Port were bowled out for 120. The Magpies cruised to 3(dec)-173 before reducing their opponents to 1-14 at stumps.