Pat’s hit their way to 178 before putting Colts in a spot of bother at stumps, leaving their opponents at 4-31.

It was Colts who appeared to be in control during the early stages of Saturday’s clash.

The big wickets of Jeremy Russell (4), Nic Broes (13), Adam Ryan (0) and Brendon Cutmore (1) left Pat’s at 4-35.

Gritty efforts with the willow from both Connor Slattery (61) and Shane Broes (38) helped to rescue the Saints innings.

By the time Slattery departed from the middle his side had managed to work their way to 8-154.

Jacob Bognuda led the way for Colts with the ball as he claimed 5-49.

Colts have thus far struggled to piece together a substantial partnership.

A turning point in the match came in Matt Fearnley’s sixth over, where he claimed the wickets of both Brad Molenkamp (1) and Jaden Ekert (2).

With the wicket of opener Jeff Clancy (3) also under his belt, Fearnley currently boasts imposing figures of 3-6 from eight overs.

Dan Casey (14) and Henry Allen (1) are the two Colts batsmen currently at the crease.

“The key was our batting. At the start of the year, when we lost early wickets we were out for around 100. This time the boys showed a lot of character and got to 180, which is a defend-able total,” Fearnley said.

“What Callum Hotham did was unreal … and Josh Broes got 24 in his first game of first grade, which was also great.

“Against Colts we were hoping to get a total of around 230 and 240. Once we were around 100 I said that we had to get to 180. That was the minimum we felt we had to get to.

“We dropped four catches and Case was dropped twice in the slips. We bowled well but those dropped catches hurt. Those chances came about because of that bowling though.”

Bailey Webber claimed the other wicket for the Saints when he removed Colts opener Pat Hill (6).