WALLA recovered from a disastrous first hour to defeat Lockhart by 38 runs in their CAW Hume semi-final at Walla on Saturday.
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Reeling at 3-8 against some quality bowling from veteran paceman Clint Renner, the Hoppers scrambled their way to 113 before knocking over the visitors for 75.
Skipper Tom Simmons hailed his side's fighting spirit.
"We wouldn't have won that game a few years ago," Simmons said.
"It was a great effort.
"The boys fought and fought and the momentum eventually swung our way.
"Jimmy McCarthy's 39 kept us in the game and then when Joel Merkel bowled an unbelievable ball to get out Brad McMillan we were back in the game."
Renner finished with the outstanding figures of 3-2 off five overs.
Lockhart's Jordan Harrington batted well to make 26 on a slow outfield but the support cast was limited against some superb bowling from Simmons (2-22), Merkel (2-18) and Mark Taylor (3-13).
The victory was even more impressive considering the Demons defeated Walla twice during the year.
"All of the bowlers did a great job," Simmons said.
"We've got a bit of momentum going now so we'll go up to Osborne and give it a real shot."
The good news for the Demons was Osborne's victory over The Rock-Yerong Creek.
Rand defeated rivals Walbundrie by eight wickets.
Bryce Swift (61 not out) and Clint Ralston (48 not out) helped the Pigeons chase down the visitors' score of 9-148 with ease.
