A spectacular bowling performance from national Under-19 pacer Romeo Dunca has put Eltham in a firm position to claim a record fifth-straight hold on the urban area ISSA Grace Shield cricket title.

The left-handed Dunca, bowling with prodigious swing and pace, claimed 6-53 as first-time finalists Innswood, replying to the defending champions' huge first innings total of 357, were bowled for 177, 180 runs short in the Melbourne Oval encounter.

Eltham, having claimed first innings, which could very well decide the match, then closed yesterday's second and penultimate day on 150-1, with opener Kavin Bonner 72 and Jervin Gordon 48 not out leading the scoring. They lead by 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 (3-42) for restricting them and our openers who put on a century stand to extend our lead," he added.

Captain and opener Oraine Williams was Innswood's leading run scorer with 45.

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