Kooringal Colts stay in title hunt with win over St Michaels

Both teams needed a win to ensure their finals place, but it was the Colts who completed a dominant performance at Harris Park.

After bowling Saints out for 147, Colts cruised to victory in the 52^nd over.

Despite losing Zac Hines (3) early on day two, good contributions from the rest of the top order making for a comfortable run chase.

Captain Keenan Hanigan was thrilled to put in a strong performance to keep themselves alive.

"Our goal at the start of the year was to play finals cricket and we had to win this week to do that," Hanigan said.

"We played a really good game of cricket over the last two weeks.

"We batted well, bowled well and fielded well and you can't ask for too much from the boys."

Daniel Perri led the way with 42 while Dave Bolton made 22 before a good fourth-wicket partnership between Andrew Dutton (39 not out) and Sam Whitfield (30 not out) guided the side home.

After returning from injury late in the season Dutton has made a good impact for the team.

"He's one of our better players but has had a shoulder injury all year," Hanigan said.

"He's just started to come back now through seconds and first grade and he hit the ball so cleanly.

"He's a very valued member of our team and one of those blokes we love playing with."

And with Lake Albert falling to an outright loss, Colts moved to third place and will have the advantage of being the higher placed team in the first week of finals.

With virtually one finals game already under their belts, Hanigan believes it leaves the side in good stead.

"We said last week that finals start now as if we lose we are out," he said. "The boys were really up for it and thought we grew another leg as we knew we were playing a finals game of cricket.

"I'm real proud of the boys and we will see what happens next week."

The winner will play the loser of the first semi-final between Wagga City and South Wagga.

READ MORE