Belmont and The Associates have set up a repeat of last season’s Evening Cricket League Premier Division knockout final after romping to victory to seal their places in tomorrow’s finale at Shelly Bay Field.

Belmont, who will be aiming for the league and cup double for the second season running, defeated Fine Leg Byes by 29 runs, while The Associates crushed Tuff Dogs by 52 runs in their respective semi-finals.

Belmont beat The Associates in last season’s final by four runs in a nail-biting finish and another close game is on the cards.

David Smith’s 51, opener Mark Ray’s 39 and an unbeaten 20 from Vivian Sailsman, the captain, underpinned Belmont’s 143 for five from their 20 overs — a total that proved out of the reach of Fine Leg Byes, who closed on 114 for six in reply, with Sailsman claiming three of the wickets.

Half-centuries by openers Steve Drake and David Woodcock helped to propel The Associates to 150 for five in the second semi-final after the pair rattled up 81 for the first wicket.

Drake’s 62 included four sixes and two fours, with Woodcock hitting two fours and a six. Janaka Pereira claimed two for 26 and Trevor Corday two for 37 for Tuff Dogs.

In reply, Daniel Morgan made 25 and Terence Corday, the captain, 24 as Tuff Dogs struggled to 98 for seven. Dave Horan took two for 21, Rich Biram two for 25 and Guyle Pietersz two for 26 after Tom Edwards had opener Azeem Khan caught behind with only six runs on the board.

“Their openers both batted very well and didn’t give any chances,” Corday said. “They got on top early, but we fought back and thought we did well to keep them to 150. We were looking at 180 after ten overs.

“Tom [Edwards] bowled extremely well. He was quick and accurate. All in all, we were comprehensively beaten by a better side on the day. We just wish we could have given them a better game.”

Tomorrow’s final starts at 2pm after league champions Bailey’s Bay take on Deloitte in the Second Division final at 10am.