Goonellabah Workers Sports have come agonisingly close to taking the points over Marist Brothers on Saturday.

The margin of 153 runs appeared convincing, however Brothers took the game to the full 80 overs, finishing the day at 9/229.

Chasing a total of 383, Brothers toughed it out all day with a number of batsman holding firm to deny full pints in a desperate finish.

Kevin Warid top scored with 68 off 187 balls, Brad Cleaver opened with 33 and the lower order contributed with Hamish Weekes (28), Joe Parsons (20) and Tom Parsons (36 not out) all holding off the Goonellabah attack.

The Goonellabah bowlers toiled hard all day with Alec Watson finishing with the days best figures of 3/29 off 14 overs. Sam McLean had 2/47, Damien Santin 2/52 and Josh Healy (1/18) and Brady Toniello (1/58) both took wickets in the draw.

Brothers finished with 9/229.

Next week Round 9 matches Goonellabah Workers Sports travel to Casino to take on the Cavaliers and Marist Brothers will host the Tweed Babora Colts at Oakes Oval.

Round 9 matches will be played over Saturday and Sunday.