The competition pacesetters, who head the ladder by three points from Camden Haven, have already suffered a first innings loss to the Port Panthers Pirates in round 13.

However, there is plenty of time – and opportunity – for Macquarie to secure an outright victory on the second day of play.

Despite posting a poor total of 80, the side restricted the Panthers to 8-94 by stumps.

With only a handful of runs – and two wickets – separating the teams, the match should heat up in the second dig as both combatants chase much-needed points.

Macquarie will turn to interdistrict stars Derek Arnberger (averaging 40.30 with the bat in 2009-10), Shayne Redden (310 runs at 34.40), Adam Willows (15 wickets at 16.60) and Wayne Dunn (10 wickets at 26.10), as well as skipper Michael Pelley (237 runs at 23.70) and Warren Preston (averaging 18.60 with the bat, and 19.20 with the ball).

The Panthers, on the other hand, can rely on representative players Rob McColl, who scored an unbeaten 71 in Sunday’s victory over Manning in the First XI grand final, and Ken Bennett, who claimed 3-31 in the same fixture, and the likes of captain Paul Stait (averaging 20.60 with the bat this season), hard-hitting Leon Clogg (216 runs at 36.00), talented youngster Adi Gulati (148 runs at 29.60) and Steven Ware (233 runs at 29.10).

The showdown between the second-placed Havens and Port City Leagues, in fifth spot, is still anyone’s at Laurieton Oval, Laurieton.

Port City amassed a competitive 161, with Dave Bolster (40) and Andrew Glover (23) leading the charge.

Yet, the score could have been greater, but for Matthew Ridgewell’s brilliant 5-35 from 17.5 overs.

In reply, Port City has removed Ridgewell (0), Andrew Hall (1), Alan Williams (12) and the dangerous Sam Kerr (12).

This means the Havens will resume their innings tomorrow at 4-41 – 120 runs in arrears – with the not out batsmen being Daniel Minns (4) and Brad Aldous (5).

A number of promising cricketers – such as Chris Yewdall, Ryan Beakey, Todd Dalton, recent centurion James King and leader Nathan Kerr – also wait in the wings.

Port City’s hopes therefore rest with bowling contingent Craig McElroy, Dylan Rumbel, Bolster, Josh Kew and Jason Herdegen.

Only two rounds remain after tomorrow’s games.