After a washout against Old Bar and then a bye, the 2nds played their major semi against a rampant Wingham, whom they've battled with all season for the top spot.

The 3rds had a recent loss to their season-long top two combatants Buladelah, who they will go head-to-head against in the major semi this coming weekend.

This past weekend saw 3rds have no play at Forster, whilst the major semi in 2nds dodged the rain with Wingham taking a very tight win at home.

Batting first in the major saw the Dolphins work their way to a defendable 8 for 193 with Ben Perren (79), Skipper Sam Hull (30), Ryan Clarke (31) and Adam Lewis (20) being the scorers.

All of the bowlers chipped in for the home side and they did well to keep the visitors under what most would have thought a winning total.

Given it was a semi, runs on the board are always there to be chased and funny things happen.

The Wingham openers weren't showing any hint of concern though and plastered the first Dolphins' bowlers and were well on track before losing Thompson for 33.

His partner went soon after for an aggressive 44, run out by the excellent youngster Landon Blissett who was stepping up due to unavailable players.

This set back the chase somewhat but the minor premiers had a strong batting lineup and kept pumping away.

A couple of breakthroughs saw Sky (21) and Hynes (46) have to rebuild and despite their loss at 5 for 175 with overs to spare, the home side appeared to be coasting.

But finals' pressure sees action aplenty and with the Great Lakes' veteran David Balaam grabbing two quick ones, and a run out by an excellent combination between the athletic Adam Lewis and another excellent youngster in Ash Drinkwater, suddenly the chase was in tatters and on a knife edge at 9 for 189.

The tail held on though and the top dogs all year snuck into the grand final with a well-deserved win.

The visitors lamented those one ball moments; losing vital wickets of some usual run scorers, an expensive over here and there, a dropped catch or so and it all sees them facing United in a do or die match at home this coming Saturday.

That game will be no walkover as the Taree lads have shown good form at times and will be hoping to add to the club's fortunes with their 1sts doing the job in premier league.

It will be a beaut encounter.

The Dolphins' 3rds will be geared up for a tough battle against the experienced Bula Boys and their experience will see them favourites in the major semi on their home digs.

The match will no doubt come down to the same one ball moments referred to above and will be another wonderful tussle.

Best wishes to all sides competing.