Bamawm-Lockington United has its work cut out for it as it looks to hand Moama its second defeat of the McMahon Shield season.
The in-form Lions, who had won each of their past four matches, travelled to Moama Recreation Reserve and opted to bat first on day one after winning the toss.
But it was again Michael Hill who made the early breakthrough for his side, with Liam Hamilton the casualty for BLU, caught behind for eight in just the third over, as Moama looked to be up and about early.
Declan Pearse joined skipper Regis Chakabva at the crease and the pair looked to dig in and build a big total, however after facing 55 deliveries for his 21 runs, Pearse was caught short after a Kirk Teasdale throw rendered him run out.
Werner Brand (26), one of four half-centurions in BLU’s most recent innings, strode out to the middle and combined well with Chakabva, with the pair lasting 16 overs together at the crease before Hill again struck to remove Brand.
Chakbva batted on, with the former Zimbabwean international passing 50 for the fifth innings in a row, however he joined teammates back in the pavilion after Hill (4-38) trapped him in front for a brilliant 71.
James McPhee was the best of the Lions’ lower order, contributing 14 as his side fell to be all out for 184, with Rhys Drennan (2-19) tidying up the tail for Moama.
It left the home side with a tricky 11-over period to face before stumps, yet skipper Joel Murphy and Fraser Buchanan remained unscathed at the crease when the umpire removed the bails to signal the end of play.
Moama will resume at 0-20 next week, needing 165 to claim the points and victory number 12 for the season, while BLU will be desperate to win given there are just six points separating second from sixth in what looks to be an enthralling lead up to the finals.
The Game
Bamawm Lockington United 184 (Regis Chakabva 71, Werner Brand 26, Michael Hill 4-38) vs Moama 0-20 (Joel Murphy 9 not out, Fraser Buchanan 7 not out)