Tara Murray
Preston Baseballers are the first team through to the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield grand final after beating Rivergum in a thriller on Sunday.
In a rematch of last season’s grand final, the result was the same with the Baseballers coming out on top.
The Baseballers made 8-149 from their overs, with Jacob Walker top scoring with 38.
The Kookas shared the wickets around, with Corey Altis, Daniel Young and Chris Petroro taking two wickets each.
The Kookas were in trouble early at 2-8, before Matthew Kiely and Altis settled to put on more than 100 for the third wicket.
Kiely fell for 68 to leave the Kookas at 3-123. Jarrod Bannister quickly came and went.
Altis fell for 52 when they needed five to win. The Kookas fell short Kookas, finishing 5-147.
The Kookas were without captain-coach Matt Perri didn’t play in the match.
The Kookas get a second chance to make the grand final.
They will play against Holy Trinity in the preliminary final on Saturday.
Holy Trinity beat Heidelberg West in the other semi final.
Holy Trinity made 121, before bowling Heidelberg West out for 76.
In the women’s competitions, the grand finalists are settled.
In the Lorraine Shield, Holy Trinity beat Epping Pingettes, while Preston Baseballers Diamonds beat Fairfield to seal finals spots.
Keon Park and Hurstbridge will play off in the Lenore Smith Shield grand final and the Northern Socials and Heidelberg West will play in the Heather Baillie Shield.
