Brayden Ambler fell just short of a century in Riverina's second win of the NSW Country Championships.
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The South Wagga batsman made 95 in eight-wicket victory over Western in Goulburn on Sunday.
His 141-ball innings featured 10 fours plus two sixes.
However he came unstuck looking for another boundary close to his milestone.
"I got a full toss on my hip that I holed up to mid wicket," Ambler said.
"I just didn't hit it well."
It would have been Ambler's second century for Riverina after making 122 on debut two years ago.
Ambler got off to a slow start, making 14 in the win over ACT Southern Districts on Friday before being run out for one in the loss to Greater Illawarra on Saturday.
However he made up for it for Sunday.
"It was a pretty long three days, especially keeping and I didn't real fire on the first day," he said.
"I kept well but snicked off to the opening bowler, the second day I got run out and then (on Sunday) I got some runs, which was good."
He also took three catches for the tournament, and combined with Blues teammate Lachie Skelly for a stumping against Greater Illawarra.
The 22-year-old isn't South Wagga's first or even second choice wicketkeeper, and Ambler admitted it was hard work behind the stumps.
"It is a tough three days when you have to squat for 300 balls every day, but the legs actually felt alright it was just the hands and concentrating on every ball," he said.
"That was a bit of a struggle but it was get to get a few catches and a stumping with Skelly as well."
It was a much improved performance by Riverina, who failed to win a match last year.
However Greater Illawarra progressed through to the final, where they will take on Newcastle after winning all three of their matches in the southern pool.
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