After winning the toss and electing to bat, Gippsland got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 42 from 13 overs.

With the departure of Nathan Freitag, the two Sale-Maffra boys Neil Minto and Toby Leeds moved the score steadily to 98 from 26 overs when Minto was out caught and bowled for a well-compiled 33.

The departure of Minto brought Jack Tatterson to the crease, he and Leeds set about stamping their authority on the game with a 120-run third wicket partnership from 18 overs.

Leeds was dismissed for 97 in the 44th over. A century in this game would have seen him make a century on consecutive days, having made a century the previous day playing for Boisdale-Briagalong.

With six overs remaining, the Pride batsmen continued to plunder the South East Country's attack, taking the score to 170 from the allocated 50 overs, with Tatterson finishing with 65.

After a long morning in the field, South East Country was immediately on the back foot from a very good spell of bowling from Tatterson and Luke Klasen, who took 3-26 and 2-27 respectively.

The opening bowlers were ably supported by two 17-year-old spin bowlers, Sam Sperling, 1-14, and Jake Le Maitre, 3-30. Both these boys will be representing Gippsland in the state under 18 championships, which will be hosted by the Traralgon and District Cricket Association in January.

With South East Country dismissed for 122, Gippsland's 149-run victory takes the side to the final of the VCCL country championship for the second time in three years.

The final against Central Highlands will be played at Sale, Maffra or Bundalaguah on Sunday, November 22.