The Hills were put in on a tough wicket at Sydney Pargeter Reserve and were bowled out for 132 by the Waters, who are still fighting for a finals place. In response the Waters are 4-114 at stumps.

While the visitors need only 18 runs for a first innings win, Hayes said he expected the game would go straight down to the wire as both sides were keen to secure a second-innings result.

"I would think Bayswater would want to get as much from this game as they could," he said. "I know our guys would have a red-hot go to try and flip the result in the second innings. I think if Bayswater pass our total they will declare soon after. I may also hint about being keen to make a game of it."

Hills all-rounder Richard Saniga was one bright spot for his side, making 42 in quick time at the bottom of the order while Hayes (2-24) and Shane Peake (2-57) both asked questions of the Waters batsmen.

Hayes said the Hills wanted to get as much game time as possible into their younger players over the coming weeks with several under-15 and under-17 players winning selection. The Hills VSDCA fourth grade side is also in a tight battle for finals and currently sits equal second.

The match resumes at Sydney Pargeter Reserve this Saturday at 1pm.