Kiama's Carlin Simon on the back foot as Warilla Sports' wicket-keeper Mick Perry looks on. Picture: DAVID HALL
REIGNING South Coast Cricket first grade premiers Warilla Sports missed an ideal chance to move into the competition's top four on Saturday, after a catastrophic batting collapse resulted in a crucial loss to last-placed Kiama.
The Cavaliers won the toss at Kiama Sports Complex and sent the Sports into bat.
Wickets fell at regular intervals as the visitors were bundled out for just 57.
No.10 Josh Cuthbert top-scored with eight not out, and shared a last wicket stand of 19 with Tom Opie.
Youngster Vaughan Thistlethwaite bowled superbly to take 4/14 from six overs, aided by good support from Glenn Cleary who finished with 3/6 off nine overs.
However, the excitement wasn't over there as Chris Leaudais ripped through the Cavs top order with 3/20, while Gerard Healey and Scott Cox each bagged two wickets.
Eventually, the home side snuck home by three wickets.
The only Kiama batsmen to reach double figures were Nathan Barr (11) and hero of the day, young Carlin Simon, who remained 14 not out in a great show of temperament.
An excellent all-round effort from Shellharbour skipper Ben Mitchell allowed his side to consolidate its spot in the top four and put Albion Park under pressure.
Batting first after winning the toss, Mitchell top-scored with 52.
Opener Chris Halloran also batted well for 41 as the Scorpions finished with 155.
Leg-spinner Jack Bennett again bowled well to take 3/31 for the Eagles, while three other bowlers took doubles.
The Eagles' chase struggled from the outset and were dismissed for just 80.
Mitchell wove his spell over the batting with the impressive figures of 4/8 from nine overs.
Matt Soper also starred with 4/16 off nine.
Oak Flats secured their spot in the top two thanks to a convincing win over Gerringong/Jamberoo at Keith Gray Oval.
Batting first, the Rats managed 8/197.
Michael Arblaster top-scored with 61 and Andrew Newman remained unbeaten on 48.
Callum Houghton-Smith continued his good bowling form to take 4/43 for the combined side.
Unfortunately the Gerringong/Jamberoo outfit's inconsistent batting once again reared its head. Only Houghton-Smith (19), Steve Tinnion (19) and Scott Brown (18) showed any resistance as they were bowled out for 84.
Former Jamberoo captain Andy Twyford bowled superbly to finish with 3/18.
Phil Dell'Orefice also chimed in with 3/19 late in the innings.
Lake Illawarra shrugged off a challenge from The Rail at Croom Road to move a step closer to clinching the minor premiership.
Batting first following a win at the toss, Lake's returning middle-order star Brendan White showed his value to the side with a typically classy 92.
Nathan Tyrell also continued his good form with 55 as their side scored 7/224.
The Rail's innings was held together for the second game in a row by youngster Kieran Gilly, who scored 65.
Bronson Mauro made 28 at the top of the order and Simon Bartlett 25 not out in their reply of 6/172.
Rookie Nathan Hore and skipper Shane Cody each took two wickets for the Lake.