In what was the only first grade fixture to resume play on a rain-affected day two, the Tigers found themselves in early trouble at 5-28 but fought back in the top-four battle to pass the 156 total eight wickets down.

"At first we didn't even know if we'd get on or not [possible wash out]," Wallsend captain Nathan Price said.

"Once we started we were in a bit of trouble at 5-28, but our lower order dug in, did well and we got there in the end."

Going into round nine following the Christmas break, only one point separated third-placed Merewether and equal fourth Wallsend on the overall standings.

After this latest result, and mainly draws elsewhere, Wallsend jump to 39 points with only leaders Wests (42) above them while Merewether are now joined by University and Charlestown (35) on the edge of the semi positions.

Hamilton-Wickham (37) slip to third while Cardiff-Boolaroo and Belmont (31) remain within striking distance of making finals with four matches left in the regular season.

"We turned up knowing everybody else was off," Price said. "It meant that if we got on and won, we could go clear in second. So it was definitely worth the time and effort to play."

After a delayed start Gary Geise, who has taken 14 wickets in his two games back in the top XI, was dismissed for a golden duck first ball of the Wallsend innings.

Player of the year leader Jacob Montgomery (1), Cooper Lennox (8), Price (15) and Matt Lynch (0) all followed shortly after with Merewether pair Tim O'Neill (5-61) and Sam Holding (2-21) doing the early damage.

Ryan Van Kemenade (48), Cameron Burt (31) and Ben Herring (12) rallied. Jacob Page (13 not out) and No.10 Joe Clarke (21 not out) combined for an unbeaten ninth-wicket stand of 37.

"I think it shows the depth of our club at the moment," Price said.

Price admitted the pitch was a "bit soft" but conditions were similar for both sides.

Wallsend have now won three straight, including an outright last month, having lost the same amount in-a-row before that.

Meanwhile, University's decision last weekend to reel in Belmont's 89 with 16 overs left on day one has paid dividends as the Sea Dragons improve to joint fourth on the ladder courtesy of those first-innings points.

Cahill Oval was washed out Saturday along with Kahibah Oval, Ron Hill Oval, Lynn Oval and Pasterfield Sports Complex.

LADDER: Wests 42; Wallsend 39; Hamilton-Wickham 37; University, Merewether, Charlestown 35; Cardiff-Boolaroo, Belmont 31; Stockton 20; Waratah-Mayfield 19; City 17; Toronto 16.

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