The minor premiers were struggling early at 5-63, with new-ball bowler Tim Lloyd claiming three wickets for Helensburgh. 

However, Batty, stood tall, combining with Luke McGregor to add 108 runs for the seventh-wicket partnership. The stand came to an end when McGregor was dismissed for 52 by Steve Blissenden.

Batty would soon become Blissenden’s third victim for the day, out for 116, but not before he could help his side set a challenging target for the Tigers.

Balgownie reached 9-235 at stumps and captain Jamie Fleming is confident they have enough runs on the board to claim the victory on Sunday. 

The wicket played in a similar manner to last week’s Balgownie-University semi-final, tough to bat on against the new ball, but very flat once the ball lost it’s shine and stopped moving around. 

That brought the Tigers spinners into the game, resulting in Blissenden’s three scalps, but it also allowed Batty and McGregor to take control of the innings.

With the wicket likely to play in much the same way on Sunday, Balgownie will be desperate for early wickets, with Tigers captain Mitch McCrae the key man. 

If McCrae can emulate Batty’s performance, it would go a long way to winning Helensburgh the match. On the Balgownie side of the equation, quicks Kody Freeman and Jason Bunyan will attempt to claim early scalps before the ball softens and Fleming will take over.

Fleming bowled 24 of the Magpies 66 overs last Saturday, taking three crucial wickets in the process. A repeat effort will be needed on Sunday if his side is to lift the trophy for the third time in four years. 

In the South Coast semi-finals, Lake Illawarra were all out for 250, with Gerringong 2-35 in reply at stumps. Ryan Maguire top-scored for the Lakers with 56, while James Hayman picked up 4-43 for Gerringong.

Kookas are 5-93 after bowling The Rail out for 216.