Sutherland have a daunting run chase ahead of them after day one of their two-day, round five clash with NSW Premier Cricket high-flyers Eastern Suburbs.
Easts captain Greg Clarence won the toss and elected to bat first at Glenn McGrath Oval on Saturday, with the visitors making 7(dec)-399 thanks to a century from opener Adam Ezekiel (101).
All-rounder Ben Dwarshuis was the best with the ball for Sutherland taking 2-94 from his 23 overs, with Jake Wilson (2-98), Austin Waugh (1-46) and Jayden Brown (1-38) also chipping in.
Sutherland were 0-25 in reply with captain Chris Williams (7 not out) and Jarryd Biviano (18 not out) at the crease.
At Hurstville Oval, St George were bowled out for 283 against Sydney.
In form opener Matt Hopkins starred again with the bat for Saints, piling on 86 at the top of the order.
Luke Bartier (52) also made a half century, with St George expected to welcome back NSW stars Moises Henriques, Kurtis Patterson and captain Trent Copeland for day two.
Play on day two starts at 10.30am in both matches on Saturday.
Meanwhile, rounds three and four of the Twenty20 Cup will be played on Sunday.
St George will host Randwick Petersham and Gordon at Hurstville Oval while Sutherland travel south to face Illawarra at North Dalton Park in their only match.
St George and Sutherland are unbeaten after winning their opening round clashes against University of NSW and Randwick Petersham respectively.