The top two teams have missed the grand final.
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Minor premiers Dederang were decimated for just 114 by an Andrew Lockett-inspired Yackandandah, while Wodonga capitulated for only 89 against Corowa.
It means Corowa has gone from the wooden spoon in Wangaratta and District’s top grade to the decider in CAW’s second-highest level.
“We picked up a few mature players, that made a big difference,” Corowa’s Jarred Lane said.
“Getting Daniel (Athanitis) as captain-coach, it’s been really big and obviously he brought his brother Mark, who’s been bowling really well.
“A couple of players have come back that haven’t played for a while, so it’s a fairly different side from what the boys had last year.”
Lane himself and the Wilsons – Damien and Kade – are among the group to return to the club full-time.
The match was played at Baranduda, given Wodonga’s provincial outfit was home against North Albury.
Lane said the pitch was fine, with the tight bowling leaving Wodonga teetering at 4-38.
But a 35-run stand between captain Mason Brown (20) and English import Rob Foreman, who was playing his first game at district level after a year in provincial, handed the team some hope.
However, Brown’s run out, followed by Charlie Jackson’s for six, torpedoed any hopes as the team lost its last six wickets for just 16.
“We got a couple of run outs, which always helps, and a couple of spells made a difference,” Lane said.
First-change quick Matt Ross grabbed 4-12 from nine overs.
“He was probably the pick, he bowled a really good spell,” Lane said.
Meanwhile, Lockett’s 5-18 ended Dederang’s hopes of just its second premiership.
The home club slumped to 8-73, with a 40-run stand between opener Harrison Kitching (57) and Lachie Lewin (18) pushing the score past the century mark.
“He (Lockett) bowled really tight areas, he bowled really well against Corowa and then he’s backed it up with a five-for,” Yackandandah’s Mick Walker said.
The visitors were 3-31 overnight and lost another early on day two, but Walker (39) and Cameron Evans (23 not out) steadied the team with a match-winning 63-run stand.
“Yeah, I suppose it was (a little worrying), they had bowled well and sometimes those small totals can be very tricky to track down, so it can be nerve-wracking,” Walker said.
Yackandandah will be out to break a seven-year premiership drought, which was its first season back at district level.