Pirates - wooden spooners last season, qualified in fourth position. Wingham, the competition leaders for much of this year, dropped to third place when beaten by United in the final competition round. They'll now meet Wauchope in the other semi-final at Wauchope.

Should United win on Saturday captain Ricky Campbell said his side will host the grand final on Saturday April 6. United finished the competition-proper on 79 points with Wauchope on 73, Wingham 70 and Port Pirates 65 to make up the top four.

Kempsey Rovers just missed the cut when finishing with 64 points followed by Port Magpies on 58, Taree West 49, Macquarie 43 and Nulla 38.

Campbell said United finished the second half of the season in strong form. A loss when play resumed after the Christmas break in February saw United drop out of the top four.

"But we've played good cricket since,'' Campbell said.

He won the toss in the match against Wingham. Campbell said the field as 'a bit damp' following rain overnight but added the wicket was in good order. Campbell won the toss and elected to bat, with United making 197.

Openers Matt Collier (36) and Zac Sheather gave the side a confident start with a stand of 52. Sheather played his best innings of the season, top scoring with 71. There was a minor hiccup when Tom Burley went for two and Campbell without scoring, however, Sheather and Dean Mills (61) put on 106 for the fourth wicket to get the innings back on track.

Ryan Morris (22) and Michael Rees gave Wingham a confident start with 60 before Morris fell. Rees was the danger player and he raced to 50, smashing eight boundaries before he was bowled by Mills. Campbell said that was the turning point.

Wingham could only made 145 in reply.