Lake Albert take win over Wagga RSL but just miss finals

The Bulls scored a four-wicket win over the Bulldogs at Rawlings Park on Saturday, and despite other results falling their way as well it wasn't enough to force themselves into the finals.

Instead it was Kooringal Colts who held onto fourth place despite a heavy loss to Wagga City with their superior quotient.

Kooringal, St Michaels and Lake Albert all finished on 22 points, two behind Wagga RSL and while the Bulls won more matches than both Colts and Saints, both their rivals were involved in more washouts.

It left a bitter taste to an up and down season for Lake Albert captain Isaac Cooper.

"One wash out in a game where we bowled the 20 overs against Cats cost us two points there that the other teams got so it is very weird," Cooper said.

In the end it was a drinks break not being taken that decided the top four.

It enabled Wagga City to sneak in the 20 overs required and take a win over Lake Albert in round seven while the other two matches couldn't be completed.

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The Bulls upset the premiers earlier this month, but a horror doubleheader last weekend didn't help their finals claims either.

"We lost a lot of percentage last week with two big losses so it was weird having beaten RSL in two of the three," Cooper said.

However Cooper was thrilled with how the side finished off the season.

Ethan Perry was the only Bulldogs batsmen to reach 20, making 49 as his side was bowled out for 139.

Cooper was pleased with how the team bowled.

"It was a good win," he said. "I thought we bowled pretty well and were in control for most of the day to set ourselves a reasonable target to chase."

They then backed it up with the bat despite a hiccup.

Cooper (27) and Josh Coyte (16) started things off well, putting on 44 for the opening wicket before RSL got themselves back in the contest.

Lake Albert lost 6-44 before Jacson Sommerville (37 not out) and Tom Doig (16 not out) steadied the ship to get the Bulls over the line.

Sam Smith shone with both bat and ball in the clash.

He snared 4-18 to finish as the competition's leading wicket taker with his left arm leg breaks.

The 18-year-old was also strong with the bat for the Bulls this season, finishing as their third highest runscorer.

Cooper has been thrilled with his impact.

"He was outstanding with the ball, as he has been all season, and with the bat he's made some runs when we've definitely needed them," he said.

RSL and Colts both need to respond when they face off in the elimination final on Saturday.

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