Scott Ulcigrai top-scored with 65 in the Lakers' big win over Gerringong-Jamberoo. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
SOUTH COAST CRICKET
They have belted their rivals all season and the semi-finals were no different as Lake Illawarra and Oak Flats cruised into this weekend's premiership final in South Coast cricket.
Opener Michael Arblaster smashed his maiden ton for Oak Flats in their crushing win over Shellharbour at Geoff Shaw.
Arblaster made 121, with the match all but over by stumps on Saturday's first day as the Rats raced to 1-69, after dismissing a dour Shellharbour for 118 off 72 overs.
Ned Taylor (24) top-scored for Shellharbour while Kieran Gray took 4-19, his brother Joel 2-21 and Andy Twyford 2-16.
Kieran Gray blasted 40 and the Rats batsmen, led by Arblaster and Andy Twyford (39), enjoyed a ridiculously extended batting practice yesterday to be 7-309 when the match was called off.
Oak Flats skipper Ryan Chatterton described his team's performance as "awesome".
"Really we couldn't have asked for much more heading into the final," he said.
"The bowlers set it up and Michael [Arblaster] getting his first ton was a bonus. We'll be going into the decider in good form."
Meanwhile, minor premiers Lakers - with their top side available for the first time since late January - smashed Gerringong-Jamberoo in their semi at Howard Fowles Oval.
Like Oak Flats, the Lakers set up victory with an ultra impressive opening day, batting the Jets out of the game by posting 262.
Scott Ulcigrai (65) and brother Mark Ulcigrai (39 not out) led the way in their first match since being among four Lakers suspended following a bad tempered clash with Shellharbour in January.
The pair and Brendan White (42) spearheaded the Lakers to an imposing 262 by stumps on day one.
The Lakers ensured an early finish by dismissing the Jets for just 90, with Steve Tinnion (39) holding the innings together.
Mark Ulcigrai took 3-12 and took two catches, while White claimed 3-23 and Greg Connor 2-17.
"It was one of our best wins of the season." Lakers skipper Shane Cody said.
"Everyone did a great job. The batsmen valued their wicket and the bowlers went on with it."
The two-day first grade final is at Croome Cricket Oval from 11am on Saturday.