Wollongong recovered from 7-84 to post a score of 9-273, captain Duncan Maddinson and tailender Jason Welsh combining for a 131-run eighth-wicket stand.

Maddinson ultimately reached 104, with Welsh unbeaten on 71.

Fleming was disappointed Balgownie let a commanding position slip, but he remains unconcerned about the target his team has been set.

"We're definitely disappointed to let them get away," Fleming said. "It was a flat wicket and most of their batsmen got themselves out. They eventually realised how flat the wicket was and batted really well, Duncan was a standout and Jason was a nuisance at the tail.

"If Balgownie batted on that wicket, we would've scored 400. It was a highway. Their 270 is a good score, but if Wollongong serve up any kind of wicket that remotely resembles that, we'll get those runs. And it won't take us 80 overs to get there."

Luke McGregor did the early damage for the Magpies, taking four wickets with the new ball.

Maddinson and Welsh dug in, however, the pair leading the side to a defendable score on a flat wicket.

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While disappointed with his top order's performance, Maddinson was pleased his side was able to reach 9-273 in what is a crucial match for both sides.

"It was a good fightback," Maddinson said. "From where we were, it was good to get a partnership together to give us a target to bowl at.

"There were some soft dismissals, they bowled well but we also batted poorly. Jason and I gave ourselves a bit of time, weathered the storm and we gave ourselves the opportunity to score runs.

"It's a good batting wicket, 270 is probably a little under par, but our bowlers are good enough to get the win if we bowl well."

While confident his side will prevail, Fleming knows next Saturday shapes as crucial for their season

Sitting seventh, the defending premiers are desperate to start climbing up the ladder.

"It's a pivotal moment for us," Fleming said. "January is always difficult with guys from the country going home, we've got a couple of injuries and players out through work commitments.

"We've got the batsmen here next week though, so I have no doubt we'll chase those runs."

The clash isn't the only one evenly poised at the midway point, with the three other games to go ahead all fairly close after Saturday's opening day of play.

Rhys Voysey took five wickets to help University bowl Port Kembla out for 207, Uni 1-49 at stumps in response.

Xavier McDevitt took four wickets for Corrimal in their clash with Helensburgh, the Tigers declaring at 9-204. Mitch McCrae top scored with 70.

Finally, Jackson Stewart's 77 guided Northern Districts to 242 in their match against Keira. Troy Coleman took four wickets and Kyle Connor three for the Lions.

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