Matt Burke Engineering Marton Saracens will stay in touch with the Premier League-topping Bayer Marist after their undermanned side beat Property Brokers United at Centennial Park on Saturday.
Missing Active Physio Wanganui captain Bryce Grant amongst others, the Marton team had nine regular players to call on, but still pickedup a five wicket victory on the back of some strong batting by the top order in chasing down United's low total.
Only United opener Tom Lance (42) and middle order all rounder Brendan Walker (41) put up reasonable scores as the visitors collapsed to 132-9, before veteran Jamie Whiteman made an unbeaten 34 as part of a 51-run partnership for the final wicket before his team folded their tent with five overs remaining.
All of the Marton bowlers made solid contributions, as Bryant Galpin (3-24 from nine overs) and captain Dominic Rayner (3-53 off 13.2) had the best figures, supported by aggressive Australian Kaynan Bright (2-61 off 14) and John Carroll (2-14 off six).
Saracens opener James Linklater signalled his early intentions with a square cut for six off the first ball he faced, on the way to the top score of 80.
The Rayner's Dominic and Chris carried on with a 73-run partnership for the third wicket, with the skipper making 66.
Chris Rayner was undefeated at the finish with 56 after being joined by Justin Lock (19 not out).
However, with a smaller line-up there was still a few tense moments for the home side as there was not a lot of batting to come after the sixth wicket.
Lance with 2-49 off 13 overs with his spinners was the pick of the bowlers, while Walker (1-41-8), Whiteman (1-15-5), and Robbie Power (1-34-8.4) all collected a scalp each.
Back at Victoria Park, Marist defeated St Johns Tech in a non-points game, which was played as a Twenty20 with an early 9.30am start, with most players getting a bowl.
