Patrick Heffernan (105) and Bernie Harris (103 not out) put on an incredible 203-run third-wicket partnership, which was the saving grace of a side that had been off to a shaky start in pursuit of Terang’s 175.

Noorat captain Gus Bourke lauded the pair’s efforts in helping the team recover from 2-17.

“Dave Conheady hit the first ball straight up in the air and we were 1-0 off one ball and it was Patty and Bernie (at the crease) when we were 2-17, and I was thinking, ‘Oh no, another Noorat collapse’,” Bourke said.

“But Bernie just hit ones and twos and Patty is in form with his fours and sixes. I think they just clicked and the turf was pretty good to play on.”

Earlier, opening bowler Warren Attrill claimed 3-30 and young medium-pacer Isaac Kenna snared 3-26 as Noorat restrict second-placed Terang to 9-175.

“We were bowling really well in the first 15 overs, but they were still 70 runs – I didn’t know what was going on,” Bourke said.

“I think, if we could’ve taken our chances, we could’ve had them out for 120 or 130.”

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Noorat, which is still within striking distance of a return to the top four.

An unbeaten knock of 80 from Shane Slater underpinned Mortlake’s 44-run win over Bookaar while Jordan Riches snared 5-40 in Pomborneit’s four-wicket win over Cobden.