Golden Fleece Warriors, Aberdeen 2, Belltrees and Bunnan will go head-to-head in the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association’s (UHDCA) A and B grade deciders.

For the Warriors, a wash-out in the major semi against Aberdeen 2 saw them go through to the grand final after finishing the regular season as minor premiers.

They will now battle the same opponents for the A grade title on Saturday. In a low-scoring clash with Rouchel last weekend, Aberdeen 2 posted 145 batting first. Robert Bennett (37) and Anthony Hill (35) top-scored.

Rouchel’s Michael McMahon starred with the ball, snaring 5/34 from his eight overs, while Steve Clydsdale also bagged impressive figures of 4/8.

A shaky start to the run-chase saw Rouchel fall to 5/56 after the dismissal of Tony Burnett (15). Scott Brooker (38) was leading from the front but he quickly ran out of partners as Aberdeen 2 dismissed their opponents for 109. 

The ball also dominated in the B grade semi-final, with Belltrees bowled out for just 102.

Brad McCosker (30) and Ben McRae (23) were top-scorers as Aberdeen 1’s Cameron French picked up 4/18 and Neville Givney bagged 3/18.

In response, Aberdeen 1 slumped to 6/25 before a steady partnership between Edan Tickle (20) and Garry Latham (26) got them back into the match.

However, following Latham’s dismissal, another three wickets fell quickly, with Belltrees claiming a 30-run victory.

UHDCA president Brad McCosker wished good luck to all four sides ahead of the grand finals.

“It’s been a very closely contested season,” he said. 

“It really could’ve gone either way; a number of the B grade sides could have been in A grade.

“The competition has improved in terms of numbers and maintained that now, while a few clubs like Aberdeen are really working well with their younger players.”

A GRADE GRAND FINAL – Warriors vs Aberdeen 2.

Golden Fleece Warriors (possible): Josh Noble, David Riley, James Smart, Isaac Smith, Will King, Colin Storey, Liam Moore, Ben Murphy, Joel Harrison, Mac Dawson, Scott Lyne, Kirsten Smith, Jack Pennell.

Aberdeen 2: Andrew Hill, Brandon Parkinson, Jeremy Smith, Nick Crackett, Ben Crackett, Robert Bennett, Brad Baker, Manou Sharma, Michael Hansia, Ron Tilleman, Simon Newton, Colin Parkinson.

B GRADE GRAND FINAL – Belltrees vs Bunnan.

Belltrees: Adam Williamson, Nathan Justice, Chris Simpson, Brad McCosker, Ben McRae, Tim Johnson, Earl Burnett, Will Osmond, Matthew French, Stuart McCosker, Evan Geary.

Bunnan: Mick Soper, Matt Langan, Glen Davis, Darren Cheshire, Lachlan Cheshire, Curtis Strong, Gavin Holland, Campbell Murray, Gareth Godde, Pete Ashford, Joel Bates.