Boyd’s side booked its first Warrnambool and District Cricket Association decider in seven years on Sunday, with a draw enough to dethrone three-time reigning premier Woodford at Uebergang Oval.

Allansford – who finished first overall in the season proper – needed just a draw to advance to the grand final as a result of a new league-wide rule as they finished ahead of Woodford in fourth place.

The rule specifies teams are not restricted in the amount of overs they can spend at the crease while batting.

Boyd revealed his side adopted conservative batting tactics after rain delayed play until just prior to the tea break.

“The surrounding wickets, those that were three or four away from the one we were playing on, just had a couple of soft spots on them,” Boyd, a Victoria Country captain, said.

“The weather was wild for both days and we know (Uebergang Oval) can be scored on quite quickly.

“It’s hard to defend a score here because there are often a lot of boundaries, but (Sunday) was more about playing straight and being patient.”

The draw ended Woodford’s chances of a four-peat of two-day premierships.

Boyd, a long-time Russells Creek bowler, said he was excited to face off against his old side in next Saturday’s decider.

Creek pushed out a draw against West Warrnambool to book its second-consecutive grand final appearance.

“We had a great game against Creek at Jetty Flat after Christmas and I think there’s going to be a lot of good cricketers out to play,” he said.