SOUTH Coast Cricket's top sides Lake Illawarra and Oak Flats made an imposing and predictable passage to the MLC Advice Premier League premiership final with thumping victories in the weekend's semi-finals.
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Both clubs sealed a first innings victory by stumps on Saturday's day one and went on to ensure they meet in the final of all formats of the new competition this season.
The minor premiers, Lake Illawarra were in trouble at 6-70 against fourth-placed Albion Park before they dominated their semi-final clash at Howard Fowles Oval.
Veteran opener Tony McCabe (40) and Greg Connor (25) put on 44 for the eighth wicket and, with Aaron Henry's 19 at No. 7, ensured the Lakers posted132.
Rob Monaghan took 5-49 for the Park but their hopes of a boilover were quickly over, dismissed for 67 off 33 overs.
Lakers skipper Brendan White took 4-11, Mark Ulcigrai 3-15 and Connor 3-17.
Albion Park conceded defeat at lunch on Sunday (day two) with the Lakers at 3-158 in their second innings. McCabe completed a fine double with an unbeaten 69.
White says the final is a step closer to their goal of winning the premiership, one-day competition and T20 Cup.
"Winning all three comps was something we set ourselves to do from pre-season training and making the final means we are in a position to achieve it," White said.
"No team has done it in South Coast cricket so it would be a great milestone if we can pull it off. We know how good Oak Flats are and how proud a club they are. It's going to be a great final."
At Geoff Shaw Oval, the second-placed Oak Flats beat Kiama outright after they rolled the Cavaliers for just 107 off 43 overs on Saturday.
Andy Twyford took 7-44 (including five scalps in a second spell) while Rob Hill took 3-33.
The Rats virtually booked a spot in the final by stumps on Saturday; they finished on 9-169 and went on to make 185. Kerry Penfold top-scored with 39.
Kiama were bowled out for 159 in their second innings - Hill took 5-53 and Rats skipper Ryan Chatterton claimed 4-42.
Oak Flats lost one wicket chasing 82 for an outright win with Matt Counsell (37 not out) and Ben Morrow (41 not out).
"It was an improvement on the last round and gives us confidence heading into the final," Chatterton said.