Wollongong marching forward after claiming Cricket Illawarra grand final rematch

With rain playing havoc with the start of the season, the Wollongong skipper was instead focused on ensuring his side built on last week's victory over Helensburgh.

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But after the Lighthouse Keepers secured a comfortable six-wicket win over the defending premiers on Saturday, Loveday admits it's a pretty good feeling to extract a dose of revenge.

"It was nice," Loveday said. "But you've got to take into account the players they had out and the amount of new players I have.

"Nothing was said midweek or on Saturday about the grand final, but on reflection, it's always nice to get one over the top of Uni so we'll take it."

Wollongong won the toss and sent an undermanned University into bat on a cold, overcast afternoon and their bowlers promptly made the most of the conditions.

The Uni top-order struggled to make headway early and efforts to increase the run rate later in the innings led to a steady stream of dismissals.

Veteran Stephen Buckley led the way with 2-18 off 10 overs as the Lighthouse Keepers bowled their opponents out for 164.

Wollongong were steady with the bat, veteran Dave Studholme registering an unbeaten 51 before Toby Dodds secured bragging rights over brother, and University all-rounder, Callum by guiding his side home.

"He was pretty chuffed after the game," Loveday said of Toby. "He had a big smile on his face and I'm sure he'll let Callum know about it until we meet again."

While the Lighthouse Keepers saw a number of players depart after last season's grand final loss, they are preparing to welcome back a pair of talented veterans who sat out the first month of the season.

Duncan and Lachlan Maddinson.

The brothers featured in second grade on Saturday and while they boast a decorated resume, Loveday said the duo will have to fight their way back into the top squad in the coming weeks.

"They got in contact and said they're keen to come back. They'll start in twos and hopefully they perform well enough to get into ones.

"Our men's teams were seven from seven this week, it's outstanding and shows we're building that strong competitive nature in firsts, seconds and thirds. No one is going to walk back into our first grade team."

Wollongong's win came on a day of standout individual performances.

Dale Scifleet scored an unbeaten 157 before bowling 10 overs as he led Dapto to a tense 13-run victory over Helensburgh.

Noah King took 7-21 as Wests defeated Port Kembla by 70 runs.

Keira's Rhys Cattle also took seven wickets in an outstanding bowling display, the Lions defending 146 to bowl Corrimal out for 92 and celebrate a win in Mark Johnston's 400^th game.

Finally, Justin Brancato scored 77 as Northern Districts defeated Balgownie.

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