Moama Cricket Club has clinched a spot in the Goulburn Murray Cricket finals thanks to a 49-run win over Leitchville-Gunbower on Saturday.
Moama comfortably defended its total of 259 at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, knocking over L-G for 210.
Moama captain Jack Russell was instrumental with the ball, taking 3-16 in his 6.4 overs.
Rishabh Kothari was Moama’s other key wicket-taker with figures of 3-45 from 19 overs, while Errol Burns claimed two wickets.
Kurt Brereton top-scored for the Gunners with 81, while opener Tyler Jones made 61.
Facing an imposing run chase, Leitchville-Gunbower made a solid start and was sitting at 2-77, but a middle-order collapse soon turned the game for Moama.
Burns claimed two wickets in three deliveries and Kothari picked up two wickets of his own — including the key dismissal of Jones — as the visitors took 4-26 to leave the Gunners at a shaky 6-104.
James Keath and Samuel Colvin made 18 each for L-G as they tried to end their season on a high note.
Moama was in a strong position after winning the toss and electing to bat last week.
A 115-run knock from Fraser Buchanan and a fourth-wicket partnership of 109 between Buchanan and Kirk Teasdale steered Moama to an imposing total of 259 from its allotted 80 overs.
It was a critical win for Moama, ensuring a top-four finish and a return to the finals.
Moama finished fourth on the ladder, tied on points with third-placed Bamawm-Lockington United and just ahead of Kyabram Fire Brigade.
The result sets up a huge semi-final clash against cross-river rivals Echuca Cricket Club.
The two sides met in the semi-finals last year, with Echuca winning by five wickets before falling to Fire Brigade in the grand final.
It will be a difficult match-up for Moama as it looks to reach the grand final. Echuca was the best team in Goulburn Murray Cricket this season, with nine wins and just a solitary loss — a nine-run defeat to BLU in round nine.
Leitchville-Gunbower missed out on finals action, finishing the season in eighth position with three wins and six losses.
Player of the match
Centurion Fraser Buchanan (Moama) takes best-on-ground honours with his 115 runs.