SOUTH Perth is on the brink of securing a finals position after dominating the first day against the more-fancied Fremantle in their Round 14 Premier Cricket fixture.
Batting first at Richardson Park, sixth-placed South Perth went on the attack with Trent Ovens hammering 89 from 119 balls to lay a terrific platform for his side.
Rob Jones then took over, belting 12 fours and four sixes on his way to 140 not out.
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The Englishman continued his fine form with the bat as he and Brooke Guest (60) pushed the side to 5-366.
Hilton Cartwright could manage only 29 upon his return to grade cricket.
The Fremantle bowling attack struggled for wickets all day, with Chris Chellew taking three wickets to follow on from nine last weekend.
The Port Boys will need to bat well if they are to avoid defeat and keep alive any chance at top spot.
Fourth-placed Perth looks on top against University after the first day, with a team bowling performance the key at Fletcher Park on Saturday.
Jacob Van Galen and Liam Guthrie were impressive with two wickets apiece, while Aiden Enright and 100-gamer Dean Nelson also managed multiple wickets for the home team.
Perth is 1-44 in response and look in control with Jonathan Wells unbeaten on 25 and Dom Sibley on 15.