By MATT NICHOLLS
HILLGROVE will play in the grand final of the Armidale District Cricket Association after pinching top spot in the final round of the first grade competition.
The Colts broke their recent hoodoo against Ex-Services, while Easts thrashed ladder leaders City.
The results meant Hillgrove jumped back into top spot, earning a weekend off, while City and Easts will do battle again in a preliminary final this Saturday for the remaining grand final berth.
City will need to overcome a form slump after they were skittled for just 105 runs against Easts at Lambert Park.
Skipper Sam Uphill tore through the Royals’ batting line-up, claiming 7/27 in an inspired spell.
Karl Triebe (30) and Stephen Tanner (24) were the only City batsmen to make an impression on the scoreboard.
In reply, Easts made light work of the run chase, passing City’s total with all 10 wickets intact.
Dean Moore (70) and Nathan Porter (23) dug deep early and booked their side a finals berth.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for Easts, which is just one win away from a grand final appearance.
For much of the season, Easts languished at the bottom of the ladder.
Ex-Services loss to Hillgrove at the Sportsground means Services will miss the finals.
Hillgrove batted into the 45th over with Matt Schaefer (57), Lochie Elks (53), Michael Dawson (39) and Warwick Browne (26) guiding the Colts to 211.
Scott Brennan took six wickets for Hillgrove, helping skittle Ex-Services for 128 in reply.
