Central Park-St Brendan’s, Katandra, Kyabram and Karramomus are the only teams that still stand in Cricket Shepparton’s Twenty20 competition.
After overcoming Tatura comprehensively in round one, the Tigers did the business again last Thursday night at Deakin Reserve with a 42-run win over Karramomus.
Rhiley Lau took the game to the Bloods early and whacked a quick-fire 41 off 21 deliveries.
Skipper Tyler Larkin (29) also found runs alongside Keiran Hogeboom (23), before Andrew Cowen helped push his side to 157 with a handy 26 from down the order.
Zane Newbound (3-28) and Sam Walton (3-31) were the pick of the Bloods bowlers.
Bayden Bailey was the shining light for the Bloods in the run chase and managed to notch a well-earned half-century.
His side failed to find the next gear required and only Luke Forge (22) could make meaningful runs as the side fell for 115.
The Bloods have been gifted a lifeline, however, and will go again next Thursday in a clash against Old Students for a spot in the grand final.
Meanwhile, Students booked safe passage after tearing through Katandra in a 72-run win at Katandra Recreation Reserve last Thursday evening.
Old Students’ Manindergit Singh hit two sixes and top-scored for the game with 24, but it was Students’ efforts with the Kookaburra that stole the show.
Tasked with chasing Students’ total of 132, Katandra wad skittled by the visitors for 60 after 14.3 overs.
Oscar Lambourn led the charge with incredible figures of 3-9, while Dillon Hammer (3-11) and Jamie Carr (3-15) also bowled lethal spells.
Kyabram is the last team to feature next week after it got the better of Shepparton United in a 39-run win at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
After opting for a bat, the Redbacks hitters quickly got into their work on their home deck.
Kaine Herbert manufactured 48 off 36 balls, while Kyle Mueller carried his recent blistering form into this fixture with 30 off 16 deliveries.
Skipper Kyle Fitzgerald (27) and Jayden Tucker (24 not-out) also contributed handy runs.
Shepparton United couldn’t get going in the chase and, despite an admirable 34 from Mahesh Kodamullage, the side was knocked over for 106 after 19.1 overs.
Kyabram’s Charlie McLay had a day to remember with figures of 3-8.
All four teams will clash next week ahead of grand finals on February 9.
In lower grade action, Karramomus knocked over Shepparton United thanks to an unbeaten 46 from Travis Guppy, while Undera is through to the next round after getting home in a thrilling run chase against Central Park-St Brendan’s.
Pine Lodge picked up an eight-wicket win over Tatura after some big hitting from James Nugent (59 not-out).