Batting first, Lake Albert fired and finished with 8-212 and that proved too much for an undermanned Colts team, that were dismissed for 188.

The Bulls’ top order fired with first-time captain Matt Tom (40), Isaac Cooper (51) and in-form teenager Jack Carey (55) all helping provide a solid platform.

In reply, Colts got to the drinks break without the loss of a wicket, but fell apart in the second 20 overs as the run rate climbed.

It was a big result, as it put Lake Albert back in fourth position at the expense of Colts, who will now need to beat Wagga RSL this weekend to play finals.

Lake Albert coach Craig Footman knew how big a win it was for the reigning premiers.

“In the context of finals, absolutely it was,” Footman said.

“We’re under no misconceptions, we had to play like it was our last game of the year. We played like it was our last 80 overs of the year, that’s how we had to play, and the boys really performed.

“Yeah, Colts were undermanned, but you’ve still got to win. The boys stood up, played their role and executed the plan.”

For Colts, Will Morley, Ben Lapham and Marc Vincent all looked dangerous with the bat, but did not have enough support.

Lake Albert will now play Wagga City in next weekend’s final round, with the winner to be secured a spot in finals. The loser will rely on Wagga RSL upsetting Colts.