The visitors finished day one of the South Coast Cricket's two-day clash at 7/231 against Shellharbour.

Gilly top-scored with 68 runs while Stuart Robin also posted a half century. Aaron Mason remains unbeaten on 40 and shapes as a key man for The Rail heading into day two of play.

Beau Chamberlain was the pick of Shellharbour's attack with 3/57 off 23 overs.

"Obviously we had 230 at the end of the day but it was pretty tough going," Gilly said.

"They bowled good areas and with an outfield that was slow, it was probably worth more than the scoreboard says. Not many teams around here can bat out a full day, so to bat for 85 overs was good going. We're definitely happy, but they're probably slightly happy too.

"If we can add another 50 to the scoreboard next week, I think we'll be in a pretty good position. We will give ourselves about 70 overs to bowl them out."

In other South Coast games, Lake Illawarra will push for outright victory after a dominant opening day against Albion Park.

Kerrod White took 3/19 off 13 overs as the Lakers bowled their opponent out for 79 runs. In reply. the visitors were 4/146 at stumps, with White top scoring on 55.

Oak Flats will also push for an outright win next week against the Kookas.

After the Kookas were bundled out for 136, Oak Flats heads into day two at 7/198. Captain Scott McAndrew remains 104 not out.

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