Union will face Oamaru in this season’s Borton Cup final following their respective semifinal victories over Valley and Albion.
At King George Park, Valley batted but quickly found themselves in trouble at 36 for four within eight overs.
Jack Price (17) and Reuben Simpson (26) briefly steadied the innings with a 48-run partnership, but Simpson’s dismissal triggered another collapse.
Valley were bowled out for just 101 in 27 overs, Brad Fleming (three for 12) and Scott Kitto (three for 15) doing the damage for Union alongside Liam Mavor (two for 31) and Daniel Martin (two for 25).
Union’s chase also started shakily at 23 for three, but Alex Wilson produced a match-winning unbeaten 48, supported by Liam Mavor (22).
Union reached their target in the 25th over, finishing on 103 for four.
Jake Matthews was Valley’s most effective bowler with two for 18.
At Whitestone Contracting Oval, Oamaru opted to bat and established a solid platform through openers Hunter Wardle (47) and Lachlan Brookes (24), who put on 67 for the first wicket.
Following Brookes’ departure, Albion’s bowlers took control, restricting Oamaru to 142 all out in 42 overs.
Jikku Joseph (three for 25), Amal Asok (three for 37) and Tom Squire (two for 28) were the standout bowlers for Albion.
Albion’s chase faltered immediately at six for three and deteriorated to 35 for seven.
Despite later resistance from Aneesh Bose (39), Angrej Singh (20) and Joseph (21 not out), they were dismissed for 112 in 35 overs, falling 30 runs short.
Nick Johnston (four for 30) and Stephan Grobler (four for 19) sealed Oamaru’s final berth with outstanding bowling displays.
This will mark the fourth consecutive time that Union and Oamaru have met in a final at senior level since the start of last season.
Oamaru claimed victory in last season’s Borton Cup final while, earlier this season, Oamaru also triumphed in the Dick Hunt holiday competition. Union were the Dick Hunt champions last season.
By Scott Cameron
