RSL will look to go one better than last season when it again faces off in the Kookaburra Cup final to be played February 2.
RSL qualified for Swan Hill District Cricket Association’s one-day decider when it beat Ultima TUF, securing top spot on the ladder with a six-point advantage over second placed Swan Hill, which finished ahead of Nyah District and Woorinen on percentage.
It will be the second consecutive appearance in the Kookaburra Cup final for the Blues, after they were runners-up to Woorinen in the 2012/13 decider.
In securing a spot in the final, RSL bowled Ultima TUF out for just 79 at Alan Garden Memorial Reserve on Saturday.
The home side had won the toss, but it was the Caldwell brothers who starred.
Brenton took 5/15 in a dominant display, while Patrick finished with figures of 3/11 — including the wicket of the dangerous Andy Abbott whose 19 was UTUF’s top score.
RSL will likely start favourite in the one-day final against Swan Hill, after the latter went down to St Mary’s Tyntynder in a tight game at Ken Harrison Sporting Complex.
The visitors won the toss and batted first, with a half-century to Ryan Shepherd helping the Swans to 130.
It wasn’t enough, however, with St Mary’s passing the total with one wicket to spare in the 38th over.
Jared Halligan top-scored for the home side with 27, while four wickets on return by Jonny Hirst wasn’t enough to get the Swans home.
In the other matches, Nyah District did as expected against Lakers, winning by 207 runs, and Woorinen got home over an improved Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Playing at Tooleybuc, the home side won the toss and batted first, managing 162.
Key contributors for the Tigers were Dean Morpeth (64), and Taylor Cameron, 45 not out.
