After posting 9-124 on the back of another superb knock from Mick Dowdell, RSL skittled Crossroads for just 33 to record a 91 run win and join them on one win with a round remaining.

Crossroads’ demise on Saturday night saw Civeo assume the lead after a storm washed out their clash with Tatts on Friday night. Tatts were about 18 overs into their innings when the storm arrived.

The results mean any one of the four teams can make the February 3 final.

“That should make for an interesting round,” RSL skipper Zaac Brayshaw said.

“It’s good knowing any team can make the final.”

They were in a bit of trouble before Dowdell entered the fray.

They were 3-29 when he went in. Joining forces with opener Jake Brayshaw (18), they took RSL to 83 and set them up for a competitive total.

“I knew it (124) was defendable,” (Zaac) Brayshaw said.

“Anything over 120 is defendable in Narrabri.” 

Crossroads skipper Luke Meppem had identified Dowdell as the key wicket, and so he proved to be, the explosive batsmen cracking four sixes in his stay and never really looking like getting out, Brayshaw said.

Meppem was the best of the Crossroads bowlers with a tidy 2-13 off his four. Brady Jenkins was the other multiple wicket-taker with 2-17.

Their run chase then started horribly and just went downhill from there.

None of the batsmen reached double figures with Tim Hayne’s six the best off the bat. Sundries was the top-scorer contributing 13 to Crossroads’ total.

After striking in the first over, Jason Trindall went on to finish with 4-9.

“Jase bowled the best I’ve seen him bowl,” Brayshaw, who was keeping to him, said.

“He was moving the ball a mile.”

He was well supported by (Jake) Brayshaw (3-8).

“He bowled really well,” Zaac said of his younger brother.

“I don’t think he got a boundary hit off him.”

Aside from the wides though all the bowlers bowled well, he said.