With the Warriors’ season on the line, Kinross had Orange City on the ropes at 3-37 until Tim Lowe (38) combined with Shaun Grenfell (59) to put on 73 for the fourth wicket, before the former added another 52 for the fifth wicket alongside skipper Craig Rogan (32) to lift their side to a handy day one total.

Some failed late order hitting – Matt Findlay (1) and Jackson Coote (0) both failed to land any hefty blows at the death – stunted the Warriors total somewhat, but Orange City is viewing 9-197 as a very defendable total.

And it looks to be proving just that, with the Warriors miserly bowling attack ensuring the students have a mammoth task ahead on day two.

With veteran top order bat, and key wicket, Steve Geyer falling late during Saturday’s play for 52, Kinross sits at 4-70 after 25.3 overs, needing another 127 to win minus its best bat.

The in-form Fletcher Rose appears the Warriors next key wicket.

City wicketkeeper Matt Findlay said his side was confident of securing a hugely important win next weekend.

“Shauny batted beautifully, I'm sure he was a bit disappointed he didn't turn the start into a ton, but he's helped put us in a really strong position again,” Findlay said.

“I think the scoreboard pressure told in the later stages of the day. Steve Geyer took the right approach and would've been a real threat next week if he'd survived so getting him was a big moment in the game, as was Joey Kay's run out, that kicked us off and set the tempo.

“We're well and truly in the box seat, so if we keep the pressure on Kinross we're confident we can turn it into another win.”