Top two finish in sight as race to the finals heats up

Defending premiers Goonellabah Workers Sports and Marist Brothers have been impressive since the return from the Christmas break.

Workers bowled Ballina Bears out for a paltry 56 before declaring for 4-134 on February 3.

Top order batsman Ben Cooper scored 102 not out, hitting nine fours and four sixes off just 89 balls.

Bears are struggling again at 3-32 in its run chase.

An outright win would be a big boost for Workers before they take on Cudgen.

The makeup of the top four should take shape after that match at Oakes Oval on February 17 and 24.

The addition of Cooper, opening batsman Dan Ter Braak and Lennox Head's Ryan Kernaghan has added more depth to Goonellabah's squad this season.

Meanwhile, second-placed Marist Brothers declared at 7-296 against Pottsville (1-6) on the weekend.

Opening batsmen Joe Parsons (50) and Kaleb Auld both scored half centuries.

The emergence of its youngsters with the likes of Auld and all-rounder Jeremy Perkins back in the fold has put Brothers in good stead this season.

Perennial powerhouse Cudgen should finish in the top four and would be a major threat to either Lismore side.

Brothers had a five-wicket win over Cudgen before the Christmas break.

Auld and Perkins took three wickets each in that game.

Captain Brendan Mitchell has been the spearhead of Brothers bowling attack for several years.

He took 7-17 in the earlier rounds against Bears on January 13.

Ladder: Goonellabah Workers Sports 41, Marist Brothers 34, Cudgen 33, Tintenbar-East Ballina 25, Casino RSM Cavaliers 23, Pottsville 17, Alstonville 11, Murwillumbah 10, Ballina Bears 10