Wagga RSL snared five wickets for just seven runs to claim a deeply satisfying victory over Wagga City at Robertson Oval.
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The Bulldogs are set to return to finals for the first time in a few years after claiming an eight-run win over the Cats.
After a week full of controversy following the Mankad, it was only fitting that the match came right down to the wire.
Wagga City were destined for victory and only needed 16 runs to win with five wickets in hand before disaster struck.
The Cats lost Jack and Max Harper within quick succession, before lightning struck and the players were forced off the ground for about 60 minutes.
Wagga City resumed needing 12 runs from seven overs with three wickets in hand, but capitulated to lose their final three wickets for four runs.
Wagga RSL captain James Richards said it was one of the most satisfying wins he has been apart of.
“It definitely was, and I’ve won four or five grand finals,” Richards said.
“After all the build up, I felt really sorry for Sam (Perry). A lot of comments called him a cheat and that’s unfair on him because he didn’t do anything wrong. He did what everyone does.
“When we got that last wicket and you saw all the looks on the guys faces it was like we had won a flag. We really enjoyed the win.”
Wagga RSL finished day one at 8-192 and batted on to make a total of 202.
In reply, Wagga City were dismissed for 194. Josh Thompson was the shining light with a top score of 79, while Jake Hindmarsh and Nick Grant picked up four wickets each.
The loss virtually ruled out finals for the reigning premiers as they sit on the bottom of the ladder with just one round remaining.
“We were basically gone, they needed 20 runs with five wickets in hand,” Richards said.
“To be fair to them, they dominated most of the day.
“It was a really good game to be involved in. It was really tough cricket, it was tense the entire day.
“After last week, you thought it might have been spiteful but it wasn’t.”
The relationship between the two clubs was seriously tested when Wagga City coach Jon Nicoll dismissed Sam Perry by Mankad.
The dismissal, fuelled by comments from both parties, created a storm of controversy.
Richards said the Bulldogs got on with business on the second day.
“We never disputed whether it was our or not, it was clearly out, it was just the fact they did it,” he said.
“It’s done and dusted now and we’ve moved on.”
The win has all but guaranteed Wagga RSL a finals spot. The Bulldogs face fifth-placed St Michaels in next week’s final round.
