The Ballarat Bolts have passed their biggest test of the North West (A) One Day Competition to date, defeating Clifton Hill by 50 runs to maintain their unbeaten record.
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Only one point separated the ladder-leading Bolts and second-placed Clifton Hill heading into the weekend, setting the stage for a thrilling return to play.
The Bolts were asked to bat first, a decision opener Lillee Barendsen gratefully accepted.
Barendesen top-scored with 66 to take her tally for the season to 188 runs at an average of 94.
A handy contribution from Emily McNeight (42) saw the visitors post 6-168.
The Bolts' defence got off to a shaky start with Clifton Hill's openers sharing a 56-run partnership.
McNeight (1-8) got the breakthrough before a Tessa Curtain (1-9) wicket a few overs later triggered a middle-order collapse.
The Bolts snared five wickets for only two runs, ripping the heart out of Clifton Hill's chase.
Tight bowling at the end limited the hosts to 6-118.