Tallangatta chase down 269 to beat Corowa and move into a finals berth

Set an imposing target of 269 by Corowa at Rowen Park, the Bushies looked in control at 4/246 before a clatter of wickets set up a grandstand finish.

The home side started the last over nine down and needing four runs, Matthew Oswell and Fraser Bremner eventually getting the job done with just two balls to spare.

East Albury's collapse at home to Albury means Tallangatta have leapfrogged the Crows and will guarantee finals cricket if they beat Brett Davies' side at Alexandra Park next weekend.

"That's what you play for," Bushies captain Matt Armstrong said.

"It's all about finals and winning flags.

"There are no other goals other than promoting our juniors and remaining financial.

"Senior flags is what everybody's after and that's definitely what we're aiming for."

In the second high-scoring contest between the sides this season, Corowa gave themselves every chance by posting 6/268.

Matthew Wilson continued his terrific form with an unbeaten 65, while Jarryd Hatton belted four sixes on his way to 56 off just 30 balls after Nathan Rhodes hit 49.

ALSO IN SPORT:

But the chase was on when Shoaib Shaikh raced to 67 off 45 balls with 13 boundaries.

Dilhara Lokuhettige (54) and Phil Neville (53) also made half-centuries but when five wickets fell for the addition of just 19 runs, Corowa were right in the game.

It was left to Oswell to navigate the choppy waters and he showed his class once again.

"He played a nice anchor role and when Phil was just knocking it around, he took the long handle and put the aggressive shots in play," Armstrong said.

"He was the set batsmen and he did his job.

"He carried through and hit the winning runs so I couldn't be more proud of him.

"Everyone was on their edge of their seats after what happened against Wodonga (collapsing to 166 all out chasing 173).

"There were nerves but we still had confidence in the guys we had.

"We have a very deep batting list but sometimes it's hard to come out under pressure.

"You can easily lose your wicket so that's why it was key for Matt to bat through, taking the strain off the guys who needed to get off strike.

"It's a huge win for us in the context of the season, especially considering what happened in the East Albury v Albury match.

"Our fate is now in our own hands and that's how you want it to be."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: