John Quinn (Lancaster Park-Woolston), Gerald Barrett (Burnside West-University), and Ben Riori (Sydenham) prospered most from the favourable conditions to steer their sides to first-innings points while Riccarton's pace attack teamed to effect the same outcome against Marist.
Mid-week rain which hindered pitch preparation contributed to another round of low-scoring WestpacTrust Trophy first-grade games.
Of the batsmen only Burnside West-University's skipper Matt Everest passed 50, batting throughout the innings, to post a battling unbeaten 63.
Everest's innings came after St Albans had struggled to 110 on a holding wicket. Barrett bowled two long spells effectively with admirable support from fellow medium-pacer Mark Hastings and left-arm spinner Hamish Kember. Only Craig Cumming and John Davidson made some headway.
Had it not been for Everest's application the Burnside innings could have been in similar trouble but Everest and the top order fashioned enough runs to carry the home side to a precious 40-run first-innings lead.
Ball also dominated bat elsewhere with Marist bundled out for 63 at Warren Park after being sent in by Riccarton.
Only Gareth Hopkins passed 20 against the Riccarton pace attack. Hayden Shaw and Glenn Foulkes recorded fine figures.
While Riccarton passed Marist's meagre score, it was not without some difficulty. Riccarton's problems were compounded by batting two short.
Wayne Stead completed a valuable all-round double top scoring for Riccarton as Marist's seamers also made regular inroads, particularly Darryl Willetts.
Marist fared a little better in its second attempt after the loss of two early wickets. The compact Hopkins and Darron Reekers put on 35 unbroken for the third wicket.
It was a strange day at Sydenham Park, 24 wickets fell for 289 runs. The home side won first-innings points by the narrowest of margins but was in trouble by stumps.
Having won the toss Sydenham batted on a pitch which kept wickedly low -- there were seven leg-before-wicket decisions in the innings. There was a little movement as well as a lack of height.
But Hamish Barton played superbly, unaffected by the carnage around him. He used his discretion in his attacking shots, driving and cutting beautifully, scoring eight fours off 74 balls -- a minor miracle given the conditions.
Sam Martin made the early breakthrough, then Chris Flanagan took two wickets in his first over.
Old Boys had similar difficulties and lost five for 33. Jeremy Innes defended well, scoring 25 in 116 minutes while Shane Bond showed no inhibitions scoring 42 in 26 minutes. But they were both dismissed in the latter stages and Sydenham claimed a valuable two-run advantage.
Ben Riori, a lively medium-pace bowler, bowled 15 overs on end while Barton held a lovely catch at ankle height and took a full part in the final rites.
At Garrick Park the bowlers prospered as batsmen played and missed with disconcerting frequency.
Sent in to bat by Old Collegians, Lancaster Park-Woolston's openers struggled to 31 but by lunch had slumped to 71 for five.
David Cartwright in an opening spell of 12 overs had one for nine, Warren Wisneski, in his first game back from England worked up good pace, and Andrew Kininmonth was accurate.
In a rare show of confidence after the break, John Stuart and Andrew Richardson added 50 for the seventh wicket in 34 minutes.
Led by captain John Quinn and supported by the Cornelius brothers, Cleighton and Wade, the Park medium-fast attack was effective.
Short scoreboards
Sydenham 132 and 27-4 v HSOB 130;
Marist 63 and 46-2 v Riccarton 97-8 dec;
St Albans 110 (G Barrett 5-41) and 13-1 v Burnside-West University 150
(M Everest 63no);
Lancaster Park-Woolston 165 v Old Collegians 109 (J Quinn 5-18).