Royal Rats won the toss, elected to bat and were skittled out for only 39 runs. Bobby Russell played a lone hand to top score with 17 runs.

Joshua Short for Staggy Creek was simply unplayable. He turned in an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 5/1 in just two overs and celebrated those fine figures with a hat-trick. 

Matt Cutmore assisted with 4/27 off eight overs, while Kyle Chilcott picked up the remaining wicket.

The chase for just 40 runs was really a formality. Troy Brabant hit 21 not out and Matt Sparke knocked out an comfortable 18 not out to lead Staggy Creek to the easiest of victories.

The B grade semi-final encounter was a similar story with another easy victory. 

Tingha Taipans hosted Square & Compass (S&C) at the Tingha Sportsground. S&C won the toss and invited Tingha to take the crease. Perhaps a touch of semi-final nerves and definitely some good bowling restricted Tingha to just 86 runs. 

Tingha’s Warren Williams with 19 and G T Livermore with 16 were the only batsmen to make any headway.

S&C bowler Alex White turned the ball and finished with 4/12, and he was ably supported by Joe Smith with 3/28.

In reply, Eric Higgins retired on 32 runs and Joe Smith hit 22 to give their side the impetus to forge a victory. Alex Smith saw his team safely home with 15 not out. 

The final score of 1/87 was sufficient to advance S&C’s claims to play in successive grand finals.

Thus, the Inverell Cricket Association will finalise their season on the first weekend of March.