WHAT loomed as a dream ending to the season for Heathcote quickly turned into a nightmare.

With nine straight wins to their name heading into the Northern United Cricket Association finals, the Saints appeared to be the team to beat - but everything quickly fell apart.

After losing to minor premiers Elmore in the qualifying final a week earlier, Heathcote entered Saturday's preliminary final against Colbinabbin as favourites.

But the pressure of the situation proved to be too much for the Saints.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Colbo was all out for 113 inside 39 overs, as Heathcote's bowlers once again underlined their importance to the side.

Like he has all season, Patrick Ring once again delivered for the Saints taking 5-24, while Shane Cox took 3-8 to help restrict Colbo from making a bigger score.

Brayden Klemke and Jack Brooks were the side's other wicket takers, with one each.

Meanwhile for Colbo, Brian Dwyer provided strong resistance in the middle order as he top scored with 26 runs.

In response, the Saints looked to be in control of the run chase despite losing opener Darcy McLean for just six runs.

Luke Bell (19 runs) and Nicholas Malavisi (26 runs) had Heathcote on track for a grand final berth, but their dismissals brought about a dramatic collapse.

Heathcote was eventually all out for 73 runs inside 34 overs, with only Bell and Malavisi reaching double figures.

Xavier Hooppell was the pick of the bowlers for Colbo taking 3-14.

Barrack Reserve will host Saturday's grand final between Colbo and Elmore, with play to get underway at 1pm.