The 28-year-old opener smashed an unbeaten 94 from 143 balls as the Meerkats broke the 200-run mark for the first time this Grassmere Cricket Association division one season.

Their final total of 206 would prove too much for Mailors Flat, who were bowled out for 140 in their chase.

The Corey Couch-led side's previous high score of the 2019-20 summer was 172 in their victory over the Jets in round four.

READ MORE:

Coates, who had scored three half-centuries before this weekend, said the impressive total would boost the side as it chase second-placed Panmure, who is one win ahead.

"We have had a few lower scores this season and this is the first score over 200 for the year so we will take positives out of that and look to do it again next week," the right-hander said.

"We're third and we want to play finals so we are heading in the right direction, which is good."

Coates, who carried his wicket for the fourth time this season, was aware he was closing in on his first century since the 2017-18 season.

"I knew I was close but I couldn't put a boundary away and I had to take that," he said.

"It was a good score for the team and that's all I can take from it."

Coates has scored 371 runs at an average of 74.2 this season.

Panmure, Hawkesdale and Wangoom were also victorious.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.