Louis Grigg was just one of the Cats young guns to get them over the line at McPherson Oval on Sunday.

After taking 4-42 as the Blues were dismissed for 180, the teenager defied the in-form Alex Smeeth with four leg byes just enough to secure an one-wicket win.

Cats captain Josh Thompson labelled it one of their best performances.

"It was a very grinding win but probably one of the better wins we've had at the Cats," Thompson said.

"It was very hard-fought.

"I thought for a second we were going to be chasing 350 but to pull them back when they were 1-60 off 11 to them bowl them out for 180 I'm super proud.

"Louis Grigg taking three wickets in his first spell was phenomenal, it was the best I've ever seen him bowl."

Smeeth got the Blues off to a great start, making 66 at the top of the order but the minor premiers struggled to build their innings.

Warren Clunes (53) was the only other batsmen to make it past 15 as Grigg, Max Harper and Aaron Maxwell did most of the damage.

Thompson (64) and Ben Turner (26) then got the Cats off to a flyer, combing for a 86-run opening stand, before South Wagga stormed back into the contest with the key wickets of Jon Nicoll (3) and Aaron Maxwell (0).

Mitch Sykes (4-41) snared the pair while Smeeth claimed four as well including two in the last over.

With Wagga City needing two runs for victory, the Blues took the new ball and Smeeth struck immediately to move the side within a wicket of another grand final appearance, but it wasn't to be.

Nick Cawley was the rock of the City's batting innings.

The 18-year-old played a patient innings, finishing unbeaten on 48 after the number three faced 145 balls.

He was just pleased to help the team into the grand final.

"I found it very hard out there so I was making sure I dug in," Cawley said.

"When we lost wickets I didn't want them to get right on top of us and was trying to keep a nice, calm, positive innings, not taking any risks.

"It feels good to stay out there and bat that long.

"The last couple of innings I didn't get to bat, or was out there for stuff all so it was good to get some time in the middle."

Thompson was thrilled with how he batted beyond his years.

"It was another good start, a little bit of a wobble in the middle but thankfully we had Nick Cawley," he said.

"It was the best he's ever batted and I'm really happy a few young blokes could get us home today. He's got grit used a fair bit of teeth.

"You want the young blokes to be able to fight when you need the extra hands so I'm very proud of him."

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