Having both already qualified for next Thursday’s final, Force sent Southern Storm Purple into the field and went on to make 7-193 from its 50 overs.

Opener Kobe Harris led from the front with a patient 50 and enjoyed a 55-run third-wicket stand with Will Bennett (34) before missing a straight one from Will Sartori (2-25).

Riverside’s James Simpson made 24 at nearly a run a ball at the end of the innings as Purple’s Jack Ross took a flurry of quick wickets to finish with 3-26.

A pair of run-outs reduced the Storm to 3-22 in reply and it took an impressive 68 from Sam Wright to keep the home side in the running. 

But the New Town talent was caught and bowled by Kaleb Williams (2-12 off 8.1) to end hopes of a comeback, leaving the Force to carry momentum into next week’s final in Pontville.

Will Bennett and Cobey Evans also took two wickets each for the Force while keeper Liam Canny had a hand in two run-outs.