After holding the hosts to 9-190, Tom Simmons' side slumped to 8-58 in the chase before showing tremendous fight in the lower-order.

Walla all-rounder Joel Merkel made the most of his call-up by making 53 while Rand's Clint Ralston contributed 52 in a final wicket partnership of 92.

Simmons praised his team for fighting the match out.

"It's always disappointing to lose but Wagga is a good side," Simmons said.

"I was really happy holding them to 190 because they looked like making anything at 0-87.

"We lost early wickets in the chase though and it's hard to put your finger on what went wrong.

"I was pleased we didn't throw in the towel.

"The boys down the order were fantastic and would have made Wagga a bit nervous before they picked up the last wicket.

"We're an association made up of a lot of small towns but the boys know how to fight which is what happened today."

Todd Hannam (16) and Mark Kreutzberger (10) were the only other CAW Hume batsmen to reach double figures against some top-class bowling from opener David Garness.

He was outstanding with 4-26.

Wagga will now play CAW Provincial after Christmas with the winner to hold the O'Farrell Cup over winter.

Opener Ethan Perry topscored for Wagga with 76, including 10 boundaries, with support coming from James Evans (26) and No.11 Lachie Skelly (18 not out).

CAW Hume was able to stem the run flow through some good bowling from leg-spinner Ed Perryman (4-43), Simmons (2-24), Hannam (1-26) and Kreutzberger (1-27).

Simmons said CAW Hume were pleased with their campaign after toppling CAW District by four wickets.

"We got plenty out of it," he said.

"The boys got on well and we played some good cricket.

"Young players in particular like Ed Perryman are going to really benefit.

"We'll be back next year for another crack.

"Our blokes loved it."

A new knockout format was introduced this season, replacing the challenge system which has operated for over 90 years.

It has drawn criticism from some quarters including long-time Riverina coach Warren Smith.

"It was never meant to be a round robin thing. It's a challenge. It's like the old Maher Cup sitting up in Tumut," Smith said.

"You don't degrade the greatest thing that's ever been."

The changes were made on the back of several forfeits last season to CAW Provincial.