Title battle down to wire in Illawarra cricket

The minor premiership and wooden spoon will go down to the final day of the Illawarra season following victories by leaders Helensburgh, Corrimal and Keira in last Saturday's round 13.

University spearhead Rhys Voysey (4-16) took a dramatic hat-trick over two overs at the start of the match, but a fighting 67 from Joe McDevitt ensured Corrimal recovered from 3-4 to register a defendable 134.

Uni struggled in the run chase at Ziems Park, but at 6-119 appeared to be heading to victory.

The Students then lost 4-9 to see the Cougars win by six runs and leapfrog Uni into second spot with one round remaining.

Xavier McDevitt took 3-56 and Peter Kilby 3-19 for Corrimal, while Uni skipper Mitch Calder (42) anchored a disappointing batting card.

The victory ensured Corrimal finish at least second by beating Northern Districts in Saturday's last round, and they will be minor premiers with a victory, and if leaders Helensburgh also lose at home to the in-form Balgownie.

Meanwhile, last-placed Keira ensured their clash with second-last Wollongong in the final round would decide the wooden spoon after the Lions thumped Dapto at Keira Village.

Keira managed just 106, but then routed Dapto for 69 to claim only their second win of the season.

Darcy McMahon took 3-8 and man-of-the-match Neel Honavar 3-10, plus making 20, the top score of the match.

Keira are just two points behind Wollongong heading into Saturday's final one-day clash at Keira Village.

Helensburgh consolidated top spot with a fine half century from Mitch McCrae (63) the key knock in a comfortable victory over Wollongong at North Dalton Park.

The Burgh posted 6-199, with Wollongong restricted to 9-161. Meanwhile, fourth-placed Balgownie are heading towards the semi-finals in great form after a six-wicket belting of Port Kembla at King George Oval.

Jason Bunyan (4-13) and Dean Merola (3-10) destroyed Port, who were back in the sheds for just 81.

Two washouts have hurt Bally who, depending on final round results, could finish second or as low as fourth.

"We're banking on being fourth but that doesn't bother us," Bally skipper James Fleming said.

"We've lost just the one game to Corrimal and have been smashing teams but we haven't had the outrights to make up for two very unlucky washouts," he said.

Finally, Jacob Hand (59) continued his fine season to lead Northern Districts (184) to an easy win over Wests Illawarra (91) at Figtree Oval.

Wests teenager Matthew Calder took 6-59, while Jamal Banfield claimed 4-26 for Norths.

In Saturday's final round, Wests host Port Kembla, Keira are at home to Wollongong, Northern Districts host Corrimal, Uni welcome Dapto and Helensburgh host Balgownie.

ILLAWARRA

Ladder: Helensburgh 77, Corrimal 75, University 69, Port Kembla 48, Dapto 43, Northern Districts 42, Wests 31, Wollongong 24, Keira 22