Oak Flats were strong with bat and ball on day one of their South Coast Cricket two-day match at Oakleigh Park. Kookas captain Scott Peachman won the toss and elected to bat, and it looked like a good decision when opening batsmen Anthony Dragovic (42) and Peachman (60) started well.

However, the Rats fought back to run through the middle and lower orders, and restrict their opponents to 185. Captain Scott McAndrew, Phil Dell'Orefice and Ryan Chatterton took three wickets apiece for the visitors.

In reply, Oak Flats are 1/87 at stumps - trailing by 98 - and will aim to push on when play resumes next Saturday. McAndrew and Michael Arblaster remain unbeaten on 48 and 30 respectively.

Elsewhere, Lake Illawarra will also circle a win next week after an intriguing opening day against Albion Park at Howard Fowles Oval.

Brendan White came to the crease at 1/86 on Saturday and proved to be in sublime touch, going on to blast an unbeaten 158 when the Lakers declared on 2/325. White's innings included 21 fours and three sixes. In reply, Albion Park were 0/90 at stumps, with Kobe Ross (51 not out) and Tom Wilson (32 not out) still at the crease.

And Shellharbour eye off a first innings lead against Kiama when play resumes at Scout Willoughby Oval. Kiama batted first and were bundled out for 165, with Tom Norris (67) top-scoring. Lachlan Ritchie and Beau Chamberlain took two wickets apiece. In reply, Shellharbour were 0/89 at stumps.