ST Andrews Cricket Club fearlessly chased down a big total on Saturday to earn a place in the Wilkins Cup grand final.
The Saints called on a memorable innings from Matt Sutherland (107) and a gutsy effort by injured opener Michael Campbell (29) to finish on 9-231 ahead of Montrose's 9-229. Montrose will face Kilsyth in the preliminary final this Saturday and Sunday.
Saints captain Dwayne Paisley called Sutherland's innings the best he had seen in 28 years of cricket and also praised Campbell who broke his thumb while fielding in the final ball of the first day's play.
Campbell didn't come in until the seventh wicket fell but fought on to make 29.
"Sutherland came in when we were 5-55 and batted through the rest of the day including hitting the boundary which won us the game," Paisley said.
"It was the best individual innings I've ever seen."
Opening bowler Cameron Sharp also missed the match but Paisley expects Sharp and Campbell to be fit for the grand final which will be on March 23-24. "We could have a full side for the first time since round seven," Paisley said.
In Newey Plate, Chirnside Park put in its worst batting performance of the year to be dismissed for 95 chasing Wantirna South's 185.