In two genuine blockbusters, a top of the table clash between Kyabram and Central Park-St Brendan’s takes place, while reigning premiers Waaia will travel to VE Vibert Reserve to face a Karramomus side with undeterred belief.
Kyabram has been far and above the best side this summer, but may have a touch of nerves entering its preliminary final against the Tigers.
The Redbacks’ only loss this season was against CPStB - at home as well mind - however they were able to overcome that burden in the one day grand final.
While Kyabram’s one blemish on the season may cross a few players’ minds before the toss, they will still undoubtedly have confidence in its recent form, most notably its semi-final shellacking of Nagambie.
There are no more cobwebs left for the Redbacks to shake it seems, although the same cannot be said for its opponent on the weekend.
CPStB lost a finals thriller to Waaia by 13 runs as the Bombers restricted the Tigers’ strength this season.
The Tigers produced its second-lowest score this season in the semi-final - the previous lower total only due to it reaching a small target of 118 with nine wickets in hand - and lost all 10 wickets for the first time since the one day grand final.
Fortunately a top-two finish secured a double chance for CPStB, but it will need to find finals form with the stick if it is to avenge its one day final defeat, and earn a spot in the decider.
At VE Vibert Reserve, Karramomus finds itself in a landmark situation.
After winning its first final in about a decade, the Bloods have earned a home preliminary final - but they’ll have to defeat a white hot Waaia if it is to make the big dance.
The Bloods, despite their finals inexperience, were composed with both bat and ball against Numurkah, holding the Blues to 130 before making the run chase look simple.
Karramomus captain Nathan Jones spoke to the belief the win will give the A-grade crew after the match, adding to the Bloods’ previous win over Waaia in round nine.
“It was a nice win for us, a greater confidence booster for the boys,” Jones said on Saturday.
Karramomus defeated Waaia by 91 runs in the pair’s last bout - although, brothers Mitch and Jordan Cleeland were unavailable for the clash.
The duo were instrumental in the semi-final win over the Tigers, Cleeland of the Mitch variety producing a game-high 44, while Jordan was a standout in the field, taking a blinder in slips to secure the win.
The reigning premiers have had a barnstorming run into finals, and while the Bombers looked set to nosedive its flag defence in 2025, 2026 has been nothing short of a premiership rejuvenation.
Now, Waaia is arguably the side most favoured to make the grand final in a stunning turnaround on its season.
The two-day finals matches will be played across Saturday and Sunday, with Kyabram hosting CPStB at Kyabram Recreation Reserve and Karramomu hosting Waaia at VE Vibert Reserve.
Both do-or-die clashes begin at 12:30pm.
