COLLEGE booked its place in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) B grade grand final with a six-wicket defeat of St Andrew’s at College Turf.

After winning the toss and electing bat, St Andrew’s skipper Jamie Logan (duck) was out in the first over, as Jack Kruger found the edge of the bat.

With his recent good form, Fraser Hill (15) was promoted to open the innings and he and Nick Emsley took the tally to 25 before both batsmen were bowled by Lachy Wark.

Wickets continued to fall as the Drews failed to take advantage of a good batting surface, with College bowlers grabbing wickets regularly and eventually bowled out the visitors for 105 in the 31st over.

Young leg-spinner, Jude Alexander, was the pick of the Eagles’ attack with 3-51, despite the Drews batsmen looking to get after him.

College had some top order wobbles, as three wickets fell cheaply, but George Huf (47-not-out) batted with confidence as the target was reached inside the 30th over with six wickets in hand.

Bailey Walsh (2-25) and Heath Pither (2-22) were the pick of the Drews bowlers, but the target wasn’t enough for the bowlers to defend.

Tahara had the weekend off and rested from the heat, as the side awaited its opponent for the grand final.