With the top spot on the ladder decided, jostling positions for a second semi-final berth was at stake for Kukerin.

Lake King won the toss and batted first and some tight bowling and fielding kept the run rate down.

Regular bowling changes brought regular wickets for Kukerin, although Lake King was able to keep the score ticking over nicely and the game was well poised at drinks at 5/95.

The tail was exposed but smart batting between wickets helped the score along until all out for 163 runs from 37 overs.

Most Lake King batsmen made a start including I Richardson (27) and L Brownley (27 no) while an all round good bowling performance from Kukerin was led by T Leo (3) and J Joyce (3).

After tea break the Kukerin innings was away to a flier with T Leo (60) smashing anything short and anything that wasn’t.

Leo and T Adams (21) seemed keen on an early finish but the dismissal of this pair brought about the dreaded fashion parade the likes of which hadn’t been seen for a few seasons.

Good middle order resistance from K West (42) helped stop the rot but not enough support as Kukerin lost their last four wickets without scoring to lose by five runs with 12 overs spare.

I Richardson captured four wickets for Lake King .

This puts Kukerin in third position and will host the first semi on February 27. There will be more details in next week’s Argus.re