The Bushies were sizing up a bumper total at 4-175, but Hulme ripped though to snare 6-41 from 19 overs as the visitors finished with 219.

North opener and captain Ash Borella then launched into the bowling, racing to his 50 in the first 10 overs, before Hulme and English import Ryan Addison’s 90-run stand for the fourth wicket played a key role in the five-wicket win.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Hulme’s previous best figures for the season were 2-6.

“He’s probably been unlucky (with the ball), the wicket suited him and he bowled out of his skin,” Borella said.

Elsewhere, Lavington quickly ended New City’s return to provincial finals after 31 years by smashing 6-330, with three half-centuries, including Nathan Brown’s 85.

The Phoenix was bowled out for 176.

And Wodonga also had a host of players make contributions, with Dan Dixon’s 53 at number eight highlighting the depth in the 9-267 against East Albury.

The Crows were valiant, but fell for 234, despite Will McIntosh’s outstanding 71.

It means the top four teams are through to a crackerjack round of preliminary finals.

Lavington’s all-star pace attack will host the association’s red-hot batsman in Tallangatta import Sahib Malhotra, who now has two tons and three half-centuries from six innings.

And premiers Wodonga is home to a rampant North Albury.