A 46-RUN ninth-wicket partnership between Kiewa's Jason Bartel and Jacob Barber helped propel the Hawks to a surprise win over Baranduda in the preliminary final at Baranduda on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After losing 5-8 to be reeling at 8-122, Bartel (24 not out) and Bartel (20 not out) enabled the Hawks to reach a competitive 8-168 which proved enough to bring down the minor premier.
Skipper Brent de Vries said Kiewa's batting depth had played a huge part in the 46-run victory.
"I thought 168 was something we could defend," de Vries said.
"They have been making around 150 for most of the year so we were reasonably happy with that especially after our collapse in the middle.
"We don't really have any tailenders with everyone being able to bat down to 11.
"They (Bartel and Barber) did a great job."
De Vries topscored for the victors with 34 while opening bowler Josh Bartel was the chief destroyer with 4-40 off nine overs.
Yackandandah's Mick Walker guided the Roos to a 32-run win over Corowa at Ball Park.
Defending a moderate total of 155, Walker once again stepped up in finals by capturing 4-30 in a matchwinning performance.
Matt Grantham top-scored with 33 with support coming from Nathan Rhodes (23).
Yackandandah also found the going tough at the crease with Brenton Low (38), Graham Martin (33) and Walker (20) scoring the bulk of the runs.
The venue for the grand final is set to be announced in the next 24 hours.