Lucknow upset Wy Yung in its Bairnsdale Cricket Association “B” grade semi final at Hudson Alvin Oval last Saturday.
Bruthen and Wy Yung have been the dominant two sides all season in the grade, each losing only one game — to each other.
The Magpies won the toss and sent the Tigers in, bowling them out in the 36th over for just 106.
Veteran David Wolfe top-scored with 29, while young Luis Wilson, who was unlucky to be omitted from the Wy Yung “A” grade side, made 27.
Wilson took 4/24 in the final round in the top grade, featuring in the Bairnsdale Advertiser Cricketer of the Year voting, but made way for veteran paceman Damian Vicary.
Major wicket-takers for the Magpies were Jason Stewart (3/12) and promising youngster Fletcher Watt (3/18).
In reply, Lucknow had to work hard to reach the modest total but eventually did so seven wickets down with eight overs to spare, though there were several anxious moments.
Ben Powell (21) and young Oakley Hughes (25) made significant contributions at the top of the order, with Indika Hamilage (3/22) among the wickets for a disappointed Wy Yung.
Bruthen advanced to the final after a high-quality match over Paynesville, which was right in the contest but faded late with the bat.
Batting first at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve, the Redbacks posted an impressive 9/191 from their 40 overs, without their star players firing. Top scorers were Joshua Weeks (40) and Dylan Collings (31), with Casey Jack taking 3/22 for the Gulls.
Paynesville got positive contributions from its top order, including skipper Rhy McNaughton (22), Jake Keown (30), Lochlan Wells (42) and Judah May (29).
At 4/156 needing 36 to win from 44 balls, they looked poised for victory. But when May fell, followed quickly by big hitters David Clack, Jack and youngster Harper Clack in one Graeme Gardam (5/31) over, the match swung back in Bruthen’s favour, with the Gulls finishing on 9/172.
