After losing the toss and being sent in, Shoalhaven started strongly with openers Nick McDonald (North Nowra-Cambewarra) and Daniel Gleeson (Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens).

The pair managed to reach 28 before McDonald was dismissed by Jacob O’Connell for 16.

Skipper Blake Munilla then lasted just five minutes at the crease before being bowled by Andrew Twyford for just two.

Next up was Ulladulla United’s Harley Bell, who with Gleeson, combined for a 28-run third wicket partnership – before Bell became Twyford’s second scalp for 10.

United’s George Walker could only make three, before Gleeson feel for 32.

United’s Aaron Wester (15), Bomaderry’s Kyle Jarrett (13) and Berry-Shoalhaven Heads’ Andrew Wright (20) all made starts before Norths’ Justin Weller (six), Ex-Servos’ Mathew Ganderton (six) and United’s Matthew O’Shea (two not out) chipped in – as the visitors were rolled for 133 in the 34^th over.

Twyford (4/42) did most of the damage with the ball, as Brynley Richards (2/18) and O’Connell (2/34) got two wickets each.

“Batting first, on a decent wicket, I thought we really under-performed, especially with batting depth and quality,” Munilla said.

“The boys who got starts looked really good but we just lost wickets too regularly.

“Obviously you would want more than what we got – 133 isn't really a commanding score in a representative competition like that.

“In saying that, I knew that we had quality bowling within our team to be able to put pressure on them.”

Defending a small total, Munilla’s side knew they had to bowl sharply and Weller did just that.

He had Ned Taylor (two) and Zachary Jurd (zero) out cheaply before finishing with 3/11 from his 10 overs.

Despite Wester (3/30) also finishing with three wickets, South Coast had six batsmen in double figures, including top-scorer Manning Berry (46), as they reached the target (7/136) with two balls to spare.

“Our fielding and bowling I thought was exceptional – everyone who bowled was tight and economical,” Munilla said.

“With such a small total, we went out and bowled to aggressive plan, as we needed wickets to win.

“In the end it was a lot closer than anyone thought – another 20 runs and we probably would have won the game.”

The win sees South Coast progress to the Burns Cup final on October 28 against Illawarra, who defeated Highlands, at North Dalton Park, while Shoalhaven will play Highlands on the same day at Bradman Oval.