Sirett and Richardson make lethal company as Katandra bowls its way to Haisman Shield semis

Within the friendly confines of Deakin Reserve, there was no such joy for Central Park this time around, batting first and receiving the battering it had the fortune of inflicting all those months ago.

These two sides thrived primarily off their respective bowling attacks rather than with fearsome batting line-ups, although there were plenty of individual contributors and shining moments along the way.

It always felt that the side that bowled first would take the clear ascendancy and that bore out across Saturday’s play with Hadleigh Sirett leading the charge right through the Tigers’ order.

Katandra’s vice-captain kept the host guessing throughout a torrid Saturday morning for the batters with sterling figures of 5-25, claiming both openers inside his first three overs and never releasing the pressure from there.

Central Park fell to 106 all out before lunch, allowing the visitor all afternoon to make giant inroads towards what became a leisurely stroll into the semis by Sunday morning.

Though Dwain Vidler and Ryan Ash claimed one scalp apiece in the latter half of Saturday’s play, it merely delayed the inevitable as Katandra picked up the 30 runs required on day two at a canter.

Central Park still hungered for more, surprising many by showing a willingness to play on.

If the Tigers could pull off the thoroughly unrealistic feat of dismissing Katandra as quickly as possible and then doing so again in the afternoon, a reverse outright would materialise miraculously.

Ultimately, this failed to get going despite an uptick in fortunes ahead of the long break, with Katandra batting long enough to shut the door once and for all.

Captain Corey Hickford was glad to see out the mission, even if it took longer than expected.

"We fielded well and to restrict them to 106 on their home ground in a final is always a good effort,” Hickford said.

“Once we got through their top-order with guys like Tyler Larkin, you think you’re well on your way, but they’re a really strong side.

"Hadleigh’s bowling effort was incredible; he and Scott Richardson bowling in tandem got us along with holding them to that restrictive total.

“It’s always a nervous chase, but with players like Brady Black going in with a cool head and picking singles, it’s really good.”

With the full slate of results unknown at the time, Katandra would leave Deakin Reserve unaware of its match-up or venue for next weekend’s semi-final.

The Eagles knew they were there — and that was enough for now.

"It would be huge to have the home crowd and play on our own pitch if we get to next week,” Hickford said.

"Our best cricket’s as good as anyone in the league, but the top six are all strong sides this year.

“It’s all very even, so we won’t take any opponent lightly.”