The return of Daniel Fallins and Ben Dwarshuis couldn’t help Sutherland put the brakes on Gordon at Glenn McGrath Oval on Saturday.
On day one of their two-day, round 14 clash, Gordon were sent in by Sutherland captain Chris Williams and made 7-347 thanks to a century from opener Axel Cahlin.
Young leg spinner Fallins took 3-148 on his return from Sheffield Shield duty with NSW while all-rounder Dwarshuis took 2-34. Jake Wilson snared 2-41.
Fourth-placed Sutherland need to win to maintain the pressure on the three sides above them, with only three points separating Sutherland from top of the table Campbelltown-Camden with one round remaining after this weekend.
Play on day two resumes at 10.30am on Saturday.