The Heights had a sub-par total of 156 to defend but they did it with runs to spare in a 41-run win on the road at Bruce Comben Reserve on Saturday.

Opening bowlers Harinder Singh (2-42) and Simon Charlton (2-13) created uncertainly with the new ball before an inspirational performance from James Rhodes (3-28 off 20 overs) took Heights to first innings points.

The second win of the season lifts the Heights off the bottom of the table ahead of their critical two-day match-up with Braybrook-based St Andrews.

The Saints, meanwhile, head into the clash on the back of a 105-run loss to Sunshine YCW at Kinder Smith Reserve.

Kevin Craddock was on fire for YCW with the bat, scoring 126 in a man of the match performance.

North division: Sunshine Druids 225 and 3-79 d Westmeadows 186, Keilor 98 and 2-97 lt Tullamarine 221, Old Essendon Grammarians 187 (Rodrigo 4-47 Maitland 2-35 Carland 2-41) lt Keilor Park 302 (Maitland 106 Rodrigo 98 Wilcocks 30).

North A1: Taylors Lakes 177 (Pizaro 3-6 Langley-Dunn 3-36 Clutton 2-36) lt St Albans 6-304 (Harman 82 Jaeger 51 Langley-Dunn 50 Montebello 48 Pizaro 41no) and 5-70 (Bray 27).

West B1: Sunshine YCW 271 (Craddock 126) d St Andrews 166 (Armstrong 73 Pipczak 27 Foley 3-26 Schwartz 3-29 Williams 2-26) and 2-35 (McNicol 2-13), Seabrook 115 (Rhodes 3-28 Charlton 2-13 Singh 2-42) lt Sunshine Heights 156 (Shawcross 41).