Kyle Adams, Aaron Smillie and Conor McGuire star in St Bernard’s win

The new ball was doing plenty for St Bernard’s as the Snowdogs ripped through Brighton, while Conor McGuire came agonisingly close to a maiden ton.

St Bernard’s had the new ball “singing” on Sunday as it secured a 96-run victory over Brighton.

Snowdogs opening bowlers Aaron Smillie and captain-coach Kyle Adams ripped through the Tonners’ top-order, snaring 3-27 and 3-42 respectively.

Brighton collapsed to 3-10 and 6-42 as the pair nicked off helpless batters at will with wicketkeeper Rory Collins snaffling five catches.

Adams was on a hat-trick when he castled Brighton captain Peter Cassidy first ball and while he found Jack Rutter’s edge it fell short of slip.

“It is pinging around nicely,” Adams said.

St Bernard’s Conor McGuire defends. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“(Peter) Cassidy had the ball singing all day on Saturday and we played-and-missed quite a bit.

“Aaron and I got the ball up in the right spots (on Sunday) and got the edges, which was pleasing, and when you’ve got a side 6-42 it’s hard to come back.

“It was an excellent weekend for the club with the Ones and Twos, both playing at home, both winning, while the Fourths had a tough day.

“It’s the first time the club has won a home final in Subbies, so it’s good to tick off another achievement and to have two teams in the semi-finals is great.”

Batting first, St Bernard’s got off to a slow start, struggling to 3-33 before Collins (46) and Nish Perera (37) steadied the ship.

A career-best 92 from Conor McGuire proved match-defining as he helped steer the Snowdogs to a commanding 7-267.

McGuire’s 136-ball knock included seven boundaries and a six and he combined with second-gamer Nguyen Dang (32) for a critical 57-run seventh-wicket stand.

Adams was rapt for both, believing it had helped swing the match in their team’s favour.

“Conor went out on the last ball of the day … but it was a brilliant knock from him,” Adams said.

“There’s been a couple of times this year when he’s got us out of trouble, he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities but when he does bat he’s looked really good.

“(Dang) started the year at the thirds and has worked his way up through the grades.

“He played his first game in the Ones last week in the one-dayer, our English import Alex went home at the end of the home-and-away season, which opened up a spot, so we thought we’d give him a chance.

“To get a run-a-ball 32 was really good and gave us momentum into the bowling.”

Cooper Bingham (73) and Rutter (50) provided some late resistance for Brighton with a 62-run partnership before it were dismissed for 171.

Glen Parker was Brighton’s best with the ball, picking up 4-68.

The win sets up a semi-final clash against Caulfield at Caulfield Park this weekend.

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Caulfield hammered Ormond by 187 runs, skittling the visitors for just 55 as Oliver Hayes picked up 5-6.

“We didn’t play Caulfield this year, obviously they’re a top-quality side and have been for years, so it’s not going to be an easy game,” Adams said.

“I think both sides will like their chances and it’s a semi-final, this is why you play.”

Kew will host Brighton in the other semi-final with the Tonners surviving as the highest-placed loser.