Armidale District Cricket Association president Mike Porter said with all teams capable of winning the competition, he is looking forward to next Saturday's semi-finals.
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"Anything can happen in cricket," he said.
The top four teams in first grade are pretty equal in ability and strength
- Mike Porter
The second day of the final round was played on Saturday and was highlighted by a double century to Easts captain Todd Francis as the minor premiers, resuming at 3-222 in reply to Ex-Services' modest 80, piled on almost 500 runs.
Francis made 205 of those in a blistering knock that included 22 fours and six sixes.
Clarrie Moran also chipped in with 63, Cameron Ashe 59 and Ian Ranger 54 for a total of 499 and a convincing win, Ashe combining with his skipper for a 180 run partnership.
In the other game City's 216 proved enough despite the best efforts of Hillgrove opener Matt Baillie.
He finished unbeaten on 90 as Hillgrove fought back from 5-48 to make 174.
Richard Heagney (32) and Max Laurie (16) also played crucial roles in the recovery, both partnering with Baillie for 50 run stands.
Karl Triebe and Andrew Skinner were the destroyers, Triebe claiming 5-35 and Skinner 4-58.
"The top four teams in first grade are pretty equal in ability and strength," Porter said.
"These teams are pretty equal on their day and the forecast for next weekend is for a bit of rain, so ... "
