At New England Mutual Armidale Sportsground, East resumed their first innings against Servies in a good spot and declared at 8-282, a lead of 163 runs after they had dismissed Servies for 125 on the first day.

Shane Collins resumed on 13 and hit  an unbeaten half century to complement the 66 from Todd Francis and Justin Hickey’s 62.

Batting a second time, Ex-Services were 5-150 when the rain forced a halt, Barry Lockwood’s defiant half century a highlight.

At Lambert Park, Armidale City resumed at 5-70 chasing Hillgrove’s 183.

Matt Folpp was the man for City, hitting seven fours and a six in his 63.

His effort almost dragged his side to a memorable win.

However it was off-spinner Scott Brennan who was the key man for Hillgrove, claiming early wickets to go with the late wicket last week.

Brennan snared 3-23 from his 16 overs while Ben Laurie (3-52) and Lochlan Elks (3-41) also grabbed wicket trebles.

Adam Thurlow (1-45) also ensured all four Hillgrove bowlers had success.

“I opened with Scotty again,” Hillgrove skipper Brad King said.

“He got Brad Smith early and also dismissed Steve Butler.

“It’s been a good start for us with two wins.”

Smith said City went close.

“Matt (Folpp) stuck around and had a good dig,” Smith said.

“He was out, caught on the boundary trying to win it for us.

“In the end we were just 20 short.”

 FIRST GRADE TABLE: Hillgrove Colts 8, Easts 5, Ex-Services 5, Armidale City 2.