Taking on St Pat’s Old Boys at the Sportsground in the two-day major semi-final, Thackray claimed 5-67 off 27 overs to help dismiss his rivals for 190 before Horton’s unbeaten 100 guided Rugby to a six-wicket triumph.

It continued the impressive form Rugby has shown in the second half of the season after the 2016-17 runners-up found themselves sitting at the bottom of the ladder following the first 10 rounds.

Having stormed to the minor premiership, Rugby went into the weekend’s major semi-final in good touch while the season’s big improvers St Pat’s were keen to move a step closer to their first top grade premiership in 22 years.

Though Saints skipper Adam Ryan made a fighting 80 on the opening day of play as his side batted first – his knock including six boundaries and one shot that cleared the ropes – it was Rugby who advanced.

Winning captain Sam Macpherson was delighted his side will get a chance to go one better than 12 months earlier when falling to Bathurst City on grand final day.

“Everyone bowled and fielded really well, especially Thackers taking five,” he said.

“Tyler Horton and Imran Qureshi [then] put on 123 together to put us in the box seat after being 2-9.

“They both batted superbly together. Tyler’s first century in first grade was so good to watch, clean hitting and good running between the wickets.”

Thackray, who last snared a five-for in the final round of the 2016-17 season, applied pressure from his opening over after being given the new ball.

His first two overs were maidens then in his third over took two wickets in the space of three deliveries to make it 2-13.

Thackray struck again with the first ball of his eighth over to remove the dangerous Connor Slattery and when he had talented opener Nic Broes caught behind for 21, the Saints were in trouble at 4-46.

But Sam Hall (35) and Ryan spearheaded a fightback as they put on 90 runs for the fifth wicket.

It helped the Saints into triple figures before Jameel Qureshi ended the stand by removing Hall.

Qureshi went on to finish with 3-34 off his 20 overs, while it was Horton who finally sent Ryan on his way.

The Saints were nine down at stumps and when play resumed on Sunday the final wicket – Matt Fearnley - was quick to fall.

It left Rugby needing 191 for victory, but its chase did not get off to a good start.

Fearnley removed Chris Albon (four) with the fifth ball of the opening over of the innings, then sent Ryan Peacock (three) on his way with the first delivery of his following over.

That made it 2-9 after three overs, but it also saw Horton join Imran Qureshi at the crease. Together that pair swung momentum back in Rugby’s favour.

Their 123-run stand lasted 44 overs, Ryan ending the partnership when he removed Qureshi for 42.

That made it 3-132, but Horton went on with the job as he got support from Jameel Qureshi (20) and Macpherson (13 not out).

Horton’s previous top score in first grade was an unbeaten 77, but he cruised past that to finish on 100 not out. St Pat’s will now face Bathurst City in the qualifying final.