After making 36 early on Sunday to get the Blues to a commanding 8-274 off the maximum 97 overs, he was then the chief destroyer of Kooringal Colts.

He claimed the key wickets of Sam Whitfield (72) and Keenan Hanigan (38) as the Colts were bowled out for 202.

Sykes also cleaned up the tail as he finished with 7-59 from 20.3 overs.

After a 145-run loss to Wagga City last week, captain Jeremy Rowe was thrilled with how the team bounced back with it all to play for.

"After last weekend's loss you understand what is on the line when you go into a game like today," Rowe said.

"The team that wins gets to play for a premiership and the team that loses unfortunately has to wait another year to get another opportunity.

"We're pretty excited to have that chance to compete for one."

Joel Robinson top scored with 67, Luke Gerhard made 47 and Brayden Ambler 43 as they finished their first 80 overs at 6-208.

The Blues made the big call to send Nathanael Mooney back to second grade despite top scoring with 50 but plenty plenty of scoreboard pressure on the Colts.

Sykes had taken 14 wickets for the season coming into the match and Rowe couldn't have been more impressed with his contribution.

"He has been fantastic," he said.

"Seven wickets is actually a huge haul, you don't see too many of those, and he should be very happy with himself.

"He bowled tremendously well, bowled very little loose balls, took wickets at a steady interval and was really important with the bat as well."

Rowe was also thrilled to pick up the key wicket of David Bolton (1) so early and be in a rare position of taking early wickets to thwart the Colts' chase even more.

He felt it immediately changed the side's demeanor.

South Wagga are now out to reverse last week's result as they look to end a horror run in grand finals and finally come home with the trophy.

They've lost all five grand finals they've played in since taking out the title in 2010 and upsetting the Cats would be the perfect end to their centenary season.

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