The two combatants are expected to meet at Howe Park on either February 18 or 25, depending on the SDCA’s busy representative schedule.

While Creeks enjoyed a bye on Saturday, PCH/Glendon fine-tuned its preparations with an impressive victory over JPC at Cook Park 3. 

Despite Alex Thrift (16) and Greg Thrift (10) getting among the runs early, the side slipped to 2-27.

However, Jackson Cox (37) and Brad Cox (23) lifted the tempo.

Then, aided by Pat Denniss’ 16 and an unbeaten 40 to Anthony Bailey, which consisted of three sixes and one boundary, PCH/Glendon managed to post 5-148.

Josh Rinkin was the pick of the bowlers, snaring 2-45, while Steve Reeves produced an economical spell, 1-16 off four overs.

JPC suffered a blow straight away, losing opener Daniel Crowley for a duck.

Tristan Muir (24) and talented youngster Jack Turner (44 – two sixes, five fours) combined for a 64-run stand to rectify the situation.

But, the team lost nine wickets for 50, bundled out for 118 – 30 short of the target.

Bailey backed up his batting feats with a brilliant haul of 4-20.

Daniel Oldknow chipped in with 2-12.

At Howe Park, Valley accounted for Muswellbrook with five balls in hand.

The visitors looked to be in trouble when Lachlan Watts (1) and Mason Solly (4) departed with just 29 on the board.

The side’s rear-guard action, however, came in the form of Josh Cooper (50) and Bumpy Crouch (33).

Late knocks from Josh Adams (23) and skipper Marty Blenman (12) enabled Muswellbrook to reach 8-145.

Liam Storey claimed 2-21, while Jacob Carey (1-9), Tony Whiting (1-10), Jake Mackaway (1-20), Luke Nichols (1-25) and Daniel Hayes (1-26) also contributed.

Valley began solidly, thanks to Hayes (30), Daniel Storey (19) and Simon White (15).

Carey (39 not out) and Mackaway (18 not out) then finished the job in the last over.

Mick Deakin and Watts shared the bowling honours, with 2-21 and 2-28 respectively.

There will be no play in the SDCA on January 27 due to the Australia Day long weekend.