Kookas started the day at 5-50 and Shellharbour made light work of the remaining five wickets bowling their opponents out for 99. With a lead of 111, Shellharbour enforced the follow on in chase of an outright victory.

That was not to be, with Kookas 2-129 at the close, but injured Shellharbour captain Ned Taylor remained thrilled with the victory.

“The side stepped up,” Taylor said. “They were exceptional with the ball early, were able to go through and get those five wickets pretty quickly. It was very pleasing to pick up that result.” 

With just two matches remaining, Shellharbour look set to make the finals after leapfrogging Kookas on the ladder. Taylor concedes a date with Lake Illawarra or Oak Flats will be a daunting challenge, but he’s confident his team can match it with both those teams if they put in a complete performance.

“We’re starting to build that momentum heading into semi-final cricket. It was a pleasing win, but there’s still plenty to build on and improve on. 

“We can all afford more time in the middle, bowl more consistent lines, we can field better and hunt as a pack. Just maintaining that intensity for longer periods and winning those small battles throughout the game.”

Saturday’s other match saw Kerrod White take seven wickets as Lake Illawarra completed an outright victory over Kiama/Gerringong.

Oak Flats defeated The Rail last Saturday.