Eltham's Romeo Dunca has been sensational with the bat for the St Catherine team for most of the season. - File

An inspired bowling performance from national Under-19 pacer Romeo Dunca has put the St Catherine team within touching distance of a record fifth hold on the urban area ISSA/Grace Shield.

Bowling with prodigious left-arm swing and pace, Dunca claimed 6-53 as first-time finalists Innswood, replying to the champions huge first innings total of 357, were bowled out for 177 - 180 runs short.

Eltham, having claimed first innings, which could very well decide the match, then closed yesterday's second and penultimate day on 150-1, this for a lead of 330.

"As a team we played extremely well, and that has put us in a very firm position to retain the title," said a happy Oral Simpson, coach of Eltham.

"I must give credit to the fast bowlers Romeo Dunca and Shawn Headlam for restricting them, and our openers who put on a century stand to extend our lead," he added.

Resuming the day on 15 without loss, and needing another 343 to break Eltham's stronghold on the title, Innswood started brightly by putting on 64 for the first wicket. However, that is as good as it would get for the boys from Old Harbour Road as, thanks to Dunca and new-ball partner Headlam (3-42), Eltham roared back.

Captain and opener Oraine Williams was Innswood's leading run scorer with 45, while there were contributions of 27 and 24 from Andra Henry and wicketkeeper Terrence Brown.

Opener Kavin Bonner, 72, and Jervin Gordon 48 not out, then put on 111 in an opening stand to bury Innswood, whose coach, national pacer Neive McNally, was at a loss for words.

"Our batsmen did not stick to the plan as after a fairly good start the middle order succumbed to the pressure. It's going to be difficult tomorrow (today) but we will fight until the end," he said.