The fifth-placed Falcons quashed talk of the top-four being settled by taking first innings points from fourth-placed Williamstown Colts on day one of a two-day encounter at Wyndhamvale Reserve on Saturday.

The nine-point gap between the two sides was cut to just three and if the Falcons can obtain an outright result over the Colts on the second day this Saturday, they would – incredibly – take their place in the top four.

"We knew we needed to win to keep our finals hopes alive," Falcons bowler Ryan Radford said.

"We were nine points behind [the Colts] and if we can get an outright it would move us one point ahead."

The Colts were like a deer in the headlights against a revved-up Falcons bowling attack. They were skittled for just 86 in 34.5 overs.

"The pitch was in very good condition," Radford said. "We just bowled well, fielded well, took our catches and they played some bad shots."

Jake Styles was the spark plug for the Falcons. The fiery teenager took a stunning 4-20 in 10.5 overs.

Styles has been a mark of consistency this summer and is one of the reasons why he is spearheading the WDCA's attack in the under-21 Wright Shield grand final against Moorabbin at Shepley Oval on Sunday. "He's keen and enthusiastic and always gives 100 per cent," Radford said. "He bowls a good line and length, has a nice yard of pace and can swing it.

"As an 18-year-old, he obviously tries to bowl as fast as he can, but as the season has gone on he's learnt to control it a bit more."

Radford, in just his second game since returning from an overseas holiday, returned to form with 4-6 off seven overs.

Player-coach Trent Lawford (1-30 off eight) and Dean Clayton (1-28 off nine) were the only other bowlers needed.

The Falcons picked off the first innings points without too much hassle.

Lance MacDougall, an Australian international indoor cricket representative, produced a gem of a knock to be 56 not out at stumps.