The result came after yet another dominant performance from fast bowling duo Lachlan Hall and James Hayman and sees Gerringong book a date with Lake Illawarra in next week’s semi-final.

After declaring at 9-257, Hayman took charge with the ball, taking 5-38 to help roll through the Razorbacks for 118 and secure victory. Hall added two wickets to go with his four from last Saturday’s first innings.

“It was a great win for us,” Captain Manning Berry said. “We knew that we had to win outright and get a few bonus points to make the semis.

“It was satisfying to get fourth spot ahead of Shellharbour after all the drama surrounding the forfeit earlier in the season. 

“We’re definitely heading into the finals with confidence after the last couple of games. Obviously we’re confident we can do some damage with our bowling.” 

Gerringong overtook Shellharbour, who claimed first-innings points against Kookas but were unable to register the outright victory. Alexander Brown (59) and Jayden Heathcote (55*) led City to 9(dec)-240 and Beau Chamberlain (4-37) reduced Kookas to 5-136, however it wasn’t enough to secure fourth place.

The round’s other game saw Lake Illawarra suffer their first loss of the season. After securing first-innings points last week, Oak Flats captain Andrew Twyford (65) led the Rats to 202. Lake, requiring 209 to win, stumbled to 9-155 at stumps.

Kookas will play The Rail in the second semi-final.

GERRINGONG 9(dec)-257 def THE RAIL 91 and 118

OAK FLATS 125 and 202 def LAKE ILLAWARRA 119 and 9-155

SHELLHARBOUR 9(dec)-240 def KOOKAS 169 and 5-136