St George captain Stewart McCabe is confident of claiming first innings points on day two of their local derby against Sutherland on Saturday.
Sutherland recovered from a perilous position to post 301 before they were bowled out at Glenn McGrath Oval, Caringbah on day one last Saturday.
St George are 0-9 in reply.
The Sharks started well and were 0-75 before a disappointing collapse saw them lose 4-3 including openers Chris Williams (38) and Jack Leaning (36) and captain Ben Dwarshuis (0).
Sutherland lost another two wickets to be struggling at 6-106 before wicketkeeper-batsman Daniel Rixon dragged the hosts back into the contest.
Rixon made 98 before he was caught by McCabe off the bowling of Nick Stapleton.
Stapleton was the star with the ball for St George taking 4-39 but was well supported by Eric Denhartog (3-61) and Nathan Ellis (1-64).
McCabe said St George had enough to chase the remaining 293-run target for victory.
“I’m very confident,” he said.
“Less than 300 is very chaseable especially at Caringbah with the short sides, flat deck and the lightning quick outfield.
“One or two partnershps I think will be good enough.
“If someone stands up in the top order then hopefully we don’t lose wickets in clumps and we can get it done.”
McCabe was disappointed his side didn’t finish off Sutherland after having them in early trouble but paid tribute to the innings of Rixon.
“He [Rixon] batted really well,” he said.
“[It was] probably the best I’ve ever seen him bat.
“He took calculated risks and was well supported, I think he put on about 100 with Riley Ayre.
“I was hoping for a max 250 after having them on the ropes but in saying that that score is very gettable.”
Play on day two starts at 10.30am on Saturday.
St George will play Bankstown in the first grade one-day final on March 6 after beating Sydney on Sunday.
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