A strong win over North Tamworth in the final round, to secure third spot on the ladder, has been followed this weekend by a comprehensive defeat of a game City United in the knockout final at Riverside 1.

Propelling the performance was Souths’ old guard – a playing group integral to the side’s run of five consecutive grand final appearances ahead of this season.

After winning the toss and batting on Saturday, it was veterans Josh Crowe (74), Tom Groth (58) and Blake Fitzgerald (32) who drove the total to 259. 

And then veterans Angus McNeill (2-47), Troy Osborne (2-28) and Tom O’Neill (2-47), with the support of Conrad George (2-32), combined to dismiss City for 170 in the 61st over.

Opener Crowe missed two of Souths’ winless five straight grand finals due to weddings – one his own and the other Fitzgerald’s. He won’t miss the season finale if Souths make it six straight grand finals this month.

He agreed that the side is building nice momentum at the right time.

“I think momentum is key,” he said. “I think for us, playing consistently without having that week off is better for us, rather than winning a major semi and having that time off.

“I think the key for us is to keep playing. That way our momentum keeps rolling on.”

On paper, there has been a lot to like about Souths all season. And now they have transferred that promise on to the field.

Crowe said: “We’ve definitely got the team to do it this year. The boys are getting confident, the morale’s up, so hopefully we’ll go all the way.”

He added: “It’s never good being the bridesmaid, so to speak.”

Souths resumed at 8-210 on Sunday morning – increasing the score to 252 before Groth fell, with McNeill (2) the last man out.

The best with the ball for City were quick Jack McVey (3-55 off 21.5 overs) and off-spinner Scott Brennan (3-78 off 29 overs).

In reply, City lost opener Dan Whale (12) with the score on 13. They were 4-52 before No.3 Tom Fitzgerald (72) and No.6 Ross Steyn (37) combined for a 75-run fifth wicket partnership that ended when Crowe caught Fitzgerald off McNeill’s bowling.

The departure of City’s best batsman signalled their demise, with the final five wickets falling for 42 runs.

City captain Brad Smith praised his side for making the finals for the first time in what he said was more than a decade: “With regards to the season, over the moon. It’s just one small step in our big plan in rebuilding the club from first grade down.”