The relative Cricket Shepparton newcomer bowled superbly as a unit on Saturday to dismiss Kyabram for 105 in reply to its 123, sending the former Murray Valley Cricket Association outfit to Deakin Reserve for a decider against Mooroopna.
Bombers skipper Brayden Carey won the toss and elected to bat against the Redbacks at Waaia Recreation Reserve, but when his side fell to 6-59 it did not look like it would be the home team's day.
“I finally won a toss and thought we'd have a bat,” Carey said.
“But Kyabram bowled relentless line and length and had us in a lot of trouble there to be fair.”
A stoic knock from Jordan Cleeland (44 from 109 deliveries) and some late fireworks from Greg Meyland (26 not out from 19) dug the Bombers out of a hole though.
“We knew if we could grind it out and get to 100 we would be right in it,” Carey said.
“I don't think anyone's scored over 120 against us at home this year and when ‘Herbie’ Meyland came in and hit a couple of boundaries and a big six it lifted us up there and gave us a bit of momentum.
“We could have been bowled out for 90, but to have that boost late the pressure really goes back on the batting side in the chase if you can get an early wicket, and we managed that.”
With Kyabram star Paul Newman back in the sheds without scoring, Billy McLay (17 from 35), Charlie McLay (25 from 45) and Kyle Mueller (21 from 49) looked to bat the Bombers out of the game.
But through Aaron Shelton (3-4), Connor Brown (3-19) and Liam Evans (2-28) Waaia stood tall, routing Kyabram's last eight wickets for 46 runs — with stretches of 3-6 and 4-4 among it — to claim victory and a spot in the grand final.
“They put on some easy runs and almost broke our backs there, but once we got the big wicket of Kyle the bowlers really tightened it up, it was pretty amazing there how quickly wickets started falling,” Carey said.
“It will be a bit of a funny week with all of the rain around, but there's definitely a buzz.
“We'll really enjoy the week. It's our first go at a premiership in our third season here, so we feel like it's a free shot for us and the pressure will probably be more on Mooroopna.”
Earlier in the clash Curt Ryan 3-11, Connor Hawes 2-23 and Angus McKenzie 2-32 bowled well for Kyabram.
THE GAME
Waaia 123 (Jordan Cleeland 44, Greg Meyland 26 not out, Curt Ryan 3-11, Connor Hawes 2-23, Angus McKenzie 2-32) d Kyabram 105 (Charlie McLay 25, Kyle Mueller 21, Aaron Shelton 3-4, Connor Brown 3-19, Liam Evans 2-28).
STAR PLAYER
Jordan Cleeland (Waaia): In a semi-final dominated by bowlers, Cleeland knuckled down at the crease to hit 44 from 109 deliveries. his 152-minute stint in the middle was the decisive factor in Waaia's historic victory.
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