The final round of the Goulburn District Cricket Association First and Second Grade T20 competition proved decisive on Saturday.
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With four spots up for grabs in the finals, any of the top five teams could have qualified.
However, some shock results in round four ensured that the teams vying for 2020/21 T20 champions will be: Tatts Stags, Hibo CC, Astor Rats, and Crookwell.
Arguably the match of the weekend took place between Hibo CC and Crookwell, in which the latter scored a notable upset thanks to a second consecutive half century from skipper Jake Paterson.
Having lost the toss and been sent in to bat at Prell Oval, Hibo's bowler-heavy side struggled for runs, particularly following the departure of former captain, Dane Stevenson, over the Christmas break.
Only Luke Hayward (24) and Chris Duffy (47) passed 20 runs for the innings, and their contributions led Hibo to a below-par but defensible total of 8-130.
But, surprisingly, Hibo's many bowlers were unable to make inroads as Paterson (53*) and young number three batsman, Blake McCarten (49*) steered the visitors to a comfortable victory with more than two overs remaining.
While Crookwell was busy dismantling Hibo, the Tatts Stags ground down the last-placed Goats on a tricky Lin Cooper Rec Arena wicket.
Like Crookwell, the Stags also won the toss and elected to bowl first - a decision which was vindicated by the Goats' eventual score of 7-97 from their 20 overs.
Patrick Craig was the pick of the Stags' bowlers, with 3-15, while Sam Woodberry (2-17) kept things tight as well.
In response, the Stags got off to a strong start. At 1-45, it seemed as though they were set to cruise to victory. However, when Josh Ryrie fell for a quickfire 34, two more quick wickets followed.
The innings had suddenly become precarious at 4-47, before Woodberry (36) and Tatts captain Simon Fitzsimmons (14) righted the ship to guide their side home.
The Stags' win propelled them to the top of the ladder, where they hold a two-point lead over Hibo, the Astor Rats, and Crookwell.
The result leaves them with good momentum ahead of the finals, which are set to take place next weekend.
The final match of the round was played between the Astor Rats and the Warriors, who needed a win to climb into the top four.
However, after a rollicking innings of 84 not out from Andrew Munroe, the Rats finished their innings at Seiffert Oval on 3-145.
In response, the Warriors could only manage 88 as Munroe this time did the damage with ball in hand. His haul of 4-14 was complimented by Rob Channing, who took three wickets of his own.
The fixtures for the finals will be confirmed by the Goulburn District Cricket Association later this week.
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