South started the day at 7-80 chasing City’s first innings of 135.

They were dismissed by City in 9.1 overs for 121 giving City a 14-run lead but with just nine men to play the rest of the day.

South Tamworth paceman Angus McNeill picked a good day to return to wicket-taking form by claiming 7-37 from 13.2 overs as City United fell for 115.

South then had 25 overs to score 130 for an outright and did it with seven overs to spare as Josh Crowe (51no) steered the side to 3-131 and an outright win that lifted the side to second place on the table with this Saturday’s final round game against Old Boys to play.

South skipper Tom Groth returned to the side on Saturday and was unbeaten on 12.

“We were lucky, we had enough time to score the runs,” he said.

“We could have easily dropped our heads (after being dismissed for 121) but the boys went out in the second innings and had a dig. Full credit to the bowlers, particlularly Angus. He fired up.”

Josh Crowe, who had skippered the side in Groth’s absence the week before, was promoted to number three and after James Maltby (36) and Troy Osborne (14) had put on a 49-run opening stand, took over, belting six fours and two sixes in his 34-ball 51.

“It suited him, going up the order. he batted well,” Groth said.

City United skipper Simon Toyer was hopeful his side could hold out after taking a 14-run first innings lead.

‘It wasn’t ideal,” he said in reference to having just nine players.

“But we just didn’t bat well enough in our second innings. We went out two down already, a couple of us got starts but never went on with it.”

Tom Fitzgerald (30) topscored, with Dan Lawrence (26) and Toyer (26) also looking comfortable but both fell victim to McNeill.

While beaten, City have some good young players such as Tom Fitzgerald and leg spinner Lachlan Cooke coming through.

Andrew Baines is also another, older, but new recruit who played well this game, scoring 40 in the first innings and taking 4-37 in the first innings.

Keeping a similar lineup each week has been the hardest part for Toyer.

Trying to keep continuity and momentum is something he’s hoping to build for next season.

“We’ve got some young guys doing well,” he said.

“Tom is still scoring runs and can only get better,” he said. “Lachlan Cooke is bowling really well even though he was  shellshocked today.”