Middle-order batsman Farren Lamb produced one of the most flamboyant innings of the season to steer Gunnedah to victory over Armidale on Sunday and set up a finals showdown with Tamworth in the prestigious War Veterans’ Cup.

After dismissing Armidale for 131, Gunnedah found itself in all sorts of trouble early at 3-7 and  then 3-38 until Lamb joined late inclusion into the side Jamie Mitchell at the crease.

Lamb strutted out in to the centre like he meant business and after taking a couple of overs to get his eye in, took to the Amidale bowling attack, unleashing an array of controlled strokes and belting three huge sixes to score an unbeaten 50 from 63 deliveries.

Jamie Mitchell protected his wicket like he would his own life at the other end and while he only scored 25 runs from 54 balls, he played an integral part in the victory.

In ideal overcast conditions, Gunnedah won the flick of the coin and sent the visitors into bat.

Openers Dean Moore (24) and Michael Dawson (14) put on 40 runs to get the ball rolling for Armidale and then captain Andrew Brownlie scored a very confident 45 before being trapped in front of his wicket by spinner Ben Middlebrook.

Armidale looked on track to post a competitive total at 5-102 but a tail-end collapse thanks to some excellent 

bowling from Sam Doubleday and first class fielding saw the visitors bundled out for 131.

Matt Brady bowled a good line and length to claim three of the top order batsman while Middlebrook and Doubleday both took two wickets each.

Gunnedah needed a good start to its innings but when Ben Haire (duck), Cameron Milne (5) and Andy Mack (2) all failed, the home side  found itself paddling at 3-7.

Matt Brady (13) and Ben Middlebrook (11) both got starts but failed to go on with the job and the side’s plight was left entirely up to Jamie Mitchell and Farren Lamb.

The pair put on an unbeaten sixth wicket stand of 94 runs with five wickets and 17 overs to spare.

Best with the ball for Armidale were Luke Brown (2-33) and Henry Cupitt (2-8).

In the other War Veterans’ Cup match, Tamworth secured the other berth in the finale with a comprehensive victory over Narrabri.

Gunnedah will now tackle Tamworth in the final at Tamworth No. 1 Oval on February 17.