Highlands could only manage 8-199 in reply to South Coast's 10-249 with the home side's batsmen struggling to come to terms with the trying conditions.

A number of Highlands batsmen made a start but none of them managed to go on with the job and score a half century, with the heat causing the players to lose concentration after long stints at the crease.

Captain Dean Roxburgh top scored with 31, before he was dismissed by Southern Zone quick Ty Cherry, while five other players scored 20s before falling to the Gold attack.

Daniel Cox made 29 at the top of the order and was involved in a 46-run partnership with Sinclair Chick (28), while Moss Vale keeper Tim Martin scored 26 and combined with Chick for a 48-run stand.

Tailenders Mitch Eirth (21) and Steve Fairburn (29 not out) showed resistance down the order but in the end the required run rate was too much to ask for the home side.

Cherry picked up 5-23 off 10 overs and it was no surprise that he was the main destroyer for the South Coast, after the right arm fast bowler recently starred in Southern Zone's victory in the senior Country Championship final.

Paul Ross got the other wickets with 3-39 off 10 with NSW Country under-17 rep Ashley Doolan taking four catches behind the stumps.

None of the South Coast batsmen managed to pass 50 either, however more of their players got a start with the top seven all getting into double figures.

Ross made the highest score with 45 and shared in a 60-run opening partnership with Jake Kowalewski (19).

The pair lived dangerously during their time at the crease, hitting a number of balls in the air, while Highlands made a meal of two definite run out chances, before Bundanoon's Mitch Eirth finally made the initial breakthrough.

The hosts tried eight bowlers in an effort to tie the South Coast batsmen down, but it was to no avail as the visitors scored their runs at almost five an over.