Wollongong needed just 34 overs to hunt down Northern Districts total in Saturday's heavyweight clash at Hollymount Park.
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Holding their place at the top of the ladder, the Lighthouse Keepers sent the premiers crashing to third when they blasted 5-194 and earn a bonus point in the process.
David Studholme (45) and Jason McNally (49) led Wollongong's charge with a 72-run opening stand, before Lachlan Maddinson (63) and Blake Owen (31 not out) ensured victory.
"Our guys don't like to mess around too much," all-rounder Jason Welsh said.
"It's a slow outfield, so sixes are the only currency and they went after it, but it was good to have four guys get going to chase it down.
"I thought 193 was a pretty decent total and even with 20 to go, we're five down and I'm ready to pad up, you're still biting the finger nails.
"It's been a big couple of weeks, to beat Uni and now Northern Districts, so we've just got to keep it going towards finals."
Daniel Wark had led Northern Districts' charge with the bat with 68 off 96 balls, as they finished their 50 overs nine wickets down after being sent in.
Duncan Maddinson claimed 3-25 off 10 for Wollongong, while openers Tyler Johns and Andrew McRae had two each, as well as two late run outs.
And Wollongong would not be denied, with 12 fours and 10 sixes in the reply.
University moved back into second spot with a commanding win over Port Kembla, with Andrew Page smashing 101 off 85 balls and James Chappell making 94 at the top of the order.
Uni made 6-254, then bowled Port Kembla out for 166, captain Rhys Voysey and Rohan Smith finished with three wickets each.
Following their last-over loss to Wollongong, Uni beat Wests when other matches were rained out and now Port to move back into the minor premiership frame, four points off the lead.
Elsewhere, Helensburgh have setup a potentially season-defining showdown with Balgownie after beating Corrimal by nine wickets.
Chasing 111, Shay Brady made 48 and Mitch McCrae 49 not out two secure two bonus points and move into fourth, after Balgownie's match with Dapto was washed out by last week's rain.
The drawn result leaves Bally again living on the edge in the run-in to finals, a point behind the Tigers.
Balgownie meet Helensburgh at Rex Jackson Oval, before taking Wollongong and Wests in the remaining matches.
With both teams out of the finals equation, Keira beat Wests by 36 runs.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
