The match was played under clear skies with Inverell shading Gunnedah in an extremely close game.

Gunnedah won the toss and elected to bat first, testing their skills against the formidable and seasoned attack of Blair, Kenny and Tasker.

For Gunnedah Ryan Cooper 28 and Andy Mack on 24 were their main contributors in a team total of 114. The total was made on a ground with a lush outfield and it would test Inverell during their turn at the crease.

Rodney Blair produced a wonderful bowling performance to finish with 6-41 off 9.4 overs and stun the Gunnedah batsmen. He was ably assisted by skipper Mick Kenny who took 3-32 off ten overs while Tony Blake collected the other wicket for sixteen runs.

Inverell set about the run chase against a tight pace attack and went to lunch at 2-29, the second wicket falling at the tick of the break.

The experience of Matt Sparke gave the home side an air of confidence but a good delivery ended his fine knock on 23. His team had reached 3-58 and were halfway towards victory when the uncertainty of the great game unfolded.

A glance at the scorebook revealed Inverell were now teetering at 7-69 facing a Gunnedah outfit cock-a-hoop. A lad by the name of Jai Tasker was still at the crease unwavering in his approach to see his side to victory. He and Rodney Blair combined in a resolute and at times audacious partnership of 31, at which point Blair heard the death rattle of the stumps.

He had contributed 22 as he headed towards the pavilion. Kyle Chilcott joined Tasker with the score at 8-100. Fifteen runs were still required with a tense sideline team and spectators counting every run. The two combined to reach the target without a blemish and snuff out a determined Gunnedah team. Tasker finished with twenty not out while Chilcott remained unconquered on 11. Two difficult catches were grassed during the Tasker/Blair partnership, a point that will ruefully be remembered by the Gunnedah boys.

With the result of the other match  to be confirmed, it appears Inverell will play Narrabri in the Final. The venue and date in February is to be confirmed.

Thus, the stranglehold of Tamworth appearing in and winning every final since 2005 has been broken. Inverell last celebrated a War Veterans Cup victory in 2003 while Narrabri tasted success in 1994.