Set 243 for the win after CYMS pair Sam Dwyer and Hugh Le Lievre put on 134 for the sixth wicket, Orange City progressed steadily before a telling 50-run stand between Ben Findlay and Jackson Coote late on day two steered the Warriors to the two-wicket win and a place in this year’s decider.

Made even better by the victory, Warriors captain Matt Findlay said it was the best two-day game of cricket he’s be part of.

“Determination. We wanted it more,” a jubilant Findlay said.

“I think, we know how to win finals games after last year’s grand final win, whereas, CYMS are probably in the same position we were in a couple of years ago.

“This game was like a grand final.”

Given that last comment and ahead of his side’s second consecutive appearance in an ODCA first grade decider, this time against Cavaliers, has Orange City played their grand final a week early?

“I hope not,” Findlay offered.

“You can only play what is in front of you and the intensity of quality of this win will serve us well next weekend against Cavs.”

Winning the toss and batting on a typically low Riawena deck, CYMS’ start stuttered and if it weren’t for 31 from damaging opener Adam Smith, the green and golds would have been in far more trouble than 5-49.

But it was at that point Dwyer and Le Lievre joined forces.

Dwyer hammered 88 to lift CYMS to 5-183 before his century stand alongside the green and golds’ captain ended.

From there, Le Lievre guided his side to 243 before falling as the final wicket for a well made 78.

Craig Rogan was the pick of the Warriors bowlers after claiming 4-26 off 10 overs, while 3-49 from Jackson Coote off a marathon 21 overs was instrumental.

Faced with a tough 19-over period before stumps on day one, Orange City openers Shaun Grenfell and John Warrington survived and, resuming at 0-34, managed to take the opening stand to 94 before the latter fell for 23.

Grenfell was the next to go for 75, falling to evergreen tweaker Al Dhatt (2-53), and when Shaun Churchill (13) and Matt Findlay (47) were gone, CYMS were well in the game with City at 4-166.

But Coote (31) and Ben Findlay (24) compiled 50 at a crucial stage of the match to edge their side victory.

Adding to his batting feats, Dwyer was the best CYMS bowler with 4-60 off 24.2 overs.

“Grenners batted well and Ben and Coote put on 50 which probably got us home,” the Warriors captain said.

“Credit to the CYMS boys, though. Sammy’s effort with bat and ball was brilliant.”

The ODCA two-day grand final will be played this weekend between Orange City and Cavaliers.