Gladstone Park will take on Kealba-Green Gully this Saturday, fighting for a place in the North West Metro Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield grand final.
The Parkers will head into the game with just a hint of a swagger after beating Kealba by one wicket at the weekend.
Skipper Matt Nyhus sent Kealba in to bat on day one. His bowlers sent down 59 overs to have Kealba out for 143.
In reply, Gladstone Park was in tatters early. In-form opener John Kulikowski was out for a duck, his only single-figure score of the season.
Wes Telford (34) and first-drop Steven Milne (36) strengthened the innings with an important second-wicket stand, but a slew of wickets gave Kealba control again.
Number eight batsman Ashan De Silva anchored the lower order with 13, and with last-man-in Gayath Pandikorala (two not out) got the runs required in the 80th over.
The win ensured Gladstone Park a third-place finish, holding off Buckley Park which will now take on minor premiers Pascoe Vale Central in the other semi-final.
The semi-final will be played on Saturday and Sunday. An extra day of play will be played on Monday if needed.
