After reaching 210 with the bat, the Shellharbour bowlers struck late in the day to reduce Kookas to 5-50 at stumps. 

Injured skipper Ned Taylor has vowed his side will remain focused on achieving a result when the two teams arrive at Tom Wiloughby Oval on Saturday morning. 

"This week's strictly about attitude," Taylor said. "We can't be complacent, think the game's over. They've still got a good couple of quality bats to come. They might be five down, but the next five will be just as tough. 

"We need to work hard and maintain the same intent as last week. If we go in with our plans and execute those plans, we'll give ourselves every chance to win first-innings points."

With Kookas third on the ladder and Shellharbour fourth, an outright victory could have significant ladder implications. 

For Taylor, however, the team is purely focused on securing first-innings points before worrying about the second innings. 

"Cricket's a funny game, anything can happen. First and foremost we'll try to secure first-innings points, then we can assess the situation after that."

The mindset will be very different for competition leaders Lake Illawarra when they resume their match with Kiama/Gerringong. 

The Lakers secured first-innings points last weekend and will chase the outright victory when they resume at 6-228 with a lead of 134 runs.