Fresh off the back of a seven-wicket thrashing of Hillgrove, Easts are six points clear on top of the table and appear to be getting stronger as the season wears on.

Sam Uphill sent Hillgrove into bat at a wet Armidale Sportsground after a week of rain.

“I thought the wicket would have a bit in it and it did,” Uphill said.

“It was a bit soft on top.

“The ball held up a bit and there was a bit of grass as well.”

The quicks bowled well early, highlighted by a strong spell from Sam Constance (2-17), but it was the spinners who tore through the Hillgrove line-up.

Matt Jackson (4-33) and his loopy off-spinners were the main cause behind the collapse, while Todd Francis (2-12 from six) also chimed in to skittle Hillgrove for 128.

“Todd was bowling hand grenades and Jacko cleaned them up at the other end,” Uphill said.

Easts took their time with the bat as they chased the runs down in 39 overs, only losing three wickets.

Dean Moore (63 not out) was again the star and was well supported by Francis (42).

“We didn’t have to do anything rash with such a small total,” Uphill said.

“Dean just keeps going out there and scoring runs.”

Uphill said it was essential for his side to carry their momentum into the Christmas break.

“It’s important for us to finish on a high note,” he said.

“Especially when there are  only two games left before the one day final.”

Servies may be last, but they have proved this season they don’t roll over easily and Easts will also be without big guns Francis, Jock Cartwright and Andrew Williams.

“That hurts us but I’m confident everyone will step up and pitch in,” Uphill said.

“We know what Servies are capable of as well, they made 212 chasing 250 last week.”

The other match of the round sees City play Hillgrove at Lambert Park in another crucial encounter.