With standout performances by Dean Mills and Zac Sheather, United proved too good when posting 6 for 197 then limiting Wingham to 145 all out.

Sheather and Matt Collier got United away to a good start after United skipper Ricky Campbell called correctly at the coin toss. The pair put on a 52 run opening stand in 11 overs before Collier, who did most of the attacking, was caught for 36 in Josh McTaggarts first over. A brilliant piece of fielding at cover by Ben Cole found Tom Burley (2) short of his ground and then Campbell went for a duck, caught driving off Michael Rees to have Wingham on top at that point. United went to drinks at 3/73.

But Mills was quickly into his stride and with intelligent batting and good running the pair added 106 for the fourth wicket over the next 19 overs. Mills hit just one six and four fours in his 61, but ran 11 twos whilst pushing the tiring Sheather in the hot conditions. Their partnership changed the game and set United up for their eventual total rather than something around 150.

Mick Stinson gained the breakthrough by having Mills caught behind and followed up by bowling Ryan Yates for three. Sheather survived chances on 47 and 60 and eventually holed out in the deep from Tim Rees final delivery having scored 71 (5x4) in two and a half hours. Daniel Stone (11x) looked equally exhausted after running four twos and a three from the final over in getting to 197.

Stinson claimed 2 for 39 off six overs and Mick Rees (1/24) and McTaggart (1/26) both restricted the scoring.

On a good wicket the total was considered well within reach for Wingham, but the top order would need to reverse some recent poor form. Things were going along well as Ryan Morris and Michael Rees, who was dropped on 10, scored at five runs an over for the initial 10. In the 12th Morris was dismissed on 22, LBW to Stone, the total on 60.

With the first ball of the 19th over and the total 84, Mills deceived Rees to bowl him for a constrained 50, scored off 35 balls, eight of which went to the boundary. Mills and Stone combined in the next over to remove Dave Rees for one as Wingham began a familiar slide.

Mills trapped Harry Clarke in front for a globe upon resumption and Wingham were now 4/86. Ben Cole and Jake Mullen found the going tough as the field-placings made boundaries hard to come by. They added 35 from nine overs before Cole hit out, only to find Mills safe hands in the deep. He showed some promising signs in his 28.

Mullen followed four runs later, caught behind off Boyd for 20, and only McTaggart (10) showed resistance as Burley (2/25) and Whitbread (2/18) cleaned up the tail 52 runs shy of the required total.

As Minor Premier United will host fourth placed Port Macquarie Pirates at Chatham whilst Wingham, relegated to third, must beat Wauchope at Wauchope to progress in the competition.

Wingham's lower grade teams are in better form with the Second Grade contesting the Grand Final this Saturday against Great Lakes at Central Park, whilst Thirds also progressed to the Preliminary Final against Great Lakes following their win over Old Bar/Harrington on Saturday.

- WAYNE SMOOTHY