The Bulls, who now sit on top of the ladder, made 7-241 last Saturday after some last-hour batting added valuable runs to their total.

But King has starred this season, making three centuries while proving to be the key to the Devils' batting fortunes.

Bulls vice-president Mark Wilkie said the Bulls were confident about their chances as long as King went cheaply.

He said the Bulls were desperate to snare the win as it should lock them into the finals. "A win would pretty much see us in the finals but a loss could see us fall to fourth place. Things are very tight at the top of the ladder. We still want that top-two position."

The Bulls innings was powered by a good opening stand between Matt Stoikos (35) and Daniel Humphrey (19) before losing 3-5. But leading batsman Stuart Moore (65) and recently returned captain Leigh Jones (48) made a key partnership then Simon Gray (41) hit cleanly at the end.

Wilkie said Jones had made an impact since returning from a knee injury. "He missed the first part of the season," he said. "He has come back after Christmas and made runs last week and this game."

With the winner of the Norwood-versus-Wonga Park match likely to avoid relegation, Wonga Park won the toss and batted all day to compile 213.

Hagen Shakespeare (35), Lochie Dickson (35) and Ben Matthews (33) all got starts. Chris Irvine (3-34), Brad Kruger (3-26) and Ben Sansom (3-56) took bowling honours.

South Warrandyte batted against South Croydon and when Steve Lindsay (42) departed with the score at 2-52 the rest of the Hawks' batting collapsed and were dismissed for 97 off 51 overs.

With 29 overs remaining the Bulldogs consolidated their place in the top four by compiling 3-110 with Lee Stockdale (46 not out) and Josh Stewart (35) contributing. No doubt South Croydon will attempt outright points.

Croydon North found the going tough against East Ringwood and batted for 75 overs to compile 172. Luke Farry (4-43) did the damage with the ball and Shane Findlay (40) top scored for the Knights.