In 2008-09, the Havens were unable to bowl a delivery as rain washed out the grand final, handing victory immediately to minor premiers Wauchope RSL.

But, on the weekend, luck favoured the competition heavyweights as they upstaged the Port Panthers Pirates at Oxley Oval.

And, it went down to the wire.

The Havens, after winning the toss, opted to bat.

While Chris Yewdall (43) and James King (40) performed strongly, the Pirates’ bowlers did well to restrict the side to 183.

Andrew Hall (20) and Alan Williams (20) also contributed to the total.

Shane Williams toiled well to pick up 4-56 from 12.4 overs.

Glenn Kemp maintained his recent good form, collecting 3-48, and Ken Bennett snared 2-50.

In reply, the Pirates began confidently despite the early loss of Paul Stait (8).

Ryan McMahon (38), Leon Clogg (26), Steve Ware and Bennett then guided the team to 3-94 at stumps.

Yesterday, Brad Aldous struck almost instantly, removing Bennett (5) on his overnight score.

Rob McColl (9) was next to fall – leaving the Pirates precariously placed at 5-136.

Disaster hit the underdogs when Ware (41), Adi Gulati (13) and Garth Mangan (0) were dismissed within a run of each other.

All of a sudden, the Pirates slipped to 8-156.

Williams (16), Ben Woodward (5 not out) and Kemp (4) did their best to rectify the situation, however, Todd Dalton trapped Kemp leg before wicket with the total on 181 – three short of victory.

Dalton finished with 4-20 and Aldous claimed 3-36.

Full wrap-up, pics: Wednesday