Kyle Brockley’s maiden first grade century has Sutherland in a strong position heading into day two of their clash with Parramatta.
But it wasn’t as good a weekend for St George after Penrith bowled them out for 226 on day one of their round 11 clash.
At Old Kings Oval, Parramatta, Sutherland made 8-318 thanks to Brockley’s ton.
Batting at No.9, Brockley smashed 10 boundaries and four sixes after coming to the crease at 7-172.
He finished 100 not out from 85 balls and was ably supported by Jake Wilson.
His 129-run stand with Wilson (33 not out) was Sutherland’s highest ever partnership for the ninth-wicket in first grade.
Earlier, captain Chris Williams notched his fifth half century of the season, making a patient 85 from 200 balls at the top of the order.
But it was Sutherland’s lower order that rescued them after the Sharks had been reeling at 6-126.
Sibghat Khan (23) and Dan Fallins (29), batting at seven and eight, helped wrestle back some momentum before Brockley and Wilson took over.
At Howell Oval, Penrith, Saints were staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat as they floundered at 5-28 against Penrith.
A patient 59 from Chris MacDougal and 55 from Mitchell Edwards saw St George fight back and post a respectable total, helped by Darius Visser (25) and Matthew Lacey (32 not out).
Penrith are 1-44 in reply, with Lacey picking up the wicket of Panthers opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore (7).
Play on day two starts at 10.30am on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Sutherland and St George moved through to the Poidevin-Gray Shield under-21s qualifying-finals with wins over Bankstown and Gordon respectively on Sunday.
Tom Doyle made 103 and took three wickets for Sutherland while Luke (71) and Caleb Bartier (6-25) were the stars for St George.
The local rivals will meet at Hurstville Oval on February 19.
