NORTH Melbourne closed out a first-innings defeat of Essendon but could not make inroads chasing an outright in Premier Cricket at the weekend.
Chasing 182, Essendon resumed at 6-93 only to be wrapped up for 105 to leave North Melbourne with an opportunity to push for more than six points.
Shane McNamara led the charge with an unbeaten 102 at the top of the order, with North Melbourne declaring at 6-188.
Essendon survived 37 overs until stumps though, finishing with 4-186, getting within 79 runs of an outright win of its own.
James Dickinson (40no) and John Patton (40no) shared an unbeaten stand of 88.
Louis Cameron took 3-49 and Benny Howell 2-30 as the best of Essendon's bowlers in the North Melbourne second innings.
The Bombers sit 13th on the 18-team premier ladder with 17 points and host Ringwood in a two-day match starting Saturday.
In 2nd XI, North Melbourne (8-350) defeated Essendon (276) with Thomas Goodsell's 98 the top score for the Bombers.
In 3rd XI, Essendon (7-314) defeated North Melbourne (241).
In 4th XI, Essendon (217) defeated North Melbourne (181) by one wicket.
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