Matt Essery claimed the scalps of Adam McLeod, Jayden Burgess and Nathan Fuller to see West finish the day on 3/47 chasing the home teams 194.

Until then Taree West appeared to be cruising as McLeod, after being dropped in slips off the first ball of the innings, played confidently for 25 whilst Blake Polson remains not out 17.

Wingham began their innings cautiously against a good opening spell from Bryan Levi.

Wayne Smoothy was first to go for 13 with the score on 25, hit wicket to Paul Cox. After drinks Daniel Barber was caught short of his ground by a direct hit from Levi, run out for 16. Matt Essery added just five before Sean Carr claimed his wicket, leaving Wingham on 3/50.

Brad Staff and Adam Carney built a partnership of 68 before Carney also fell to Cox just after tea. He made 29 and Wingham were 4/118. Staff was striking the ball well and appeared set for a long stay when he top edged a pull shot which was well taken by Jayden Burgess in the deep, Staff making 55.

Ryan Morris (14) and Mick Stinson (16) put together quickfire innings before both fell with the score at 158. Dennis Smith smacked 17 and Ryan Williams 16 to carry Wingham to 194. The spinners caused most problems for Wingham as Lee Crozier finished as the leading wicket taker with 3/28 from six overs, Paul Cox claimed 2/31 and Gary Pomplun 2/28.

Wingham will need early wickets to make inroads into the Taree West top order of Ben Marron, Paul Cox, Sean Carr and Lee Crozier. Ryan Williams continues to bowl without luck and Wingham will rely on him and the spin of Staff and Essery to be victorious.