With Academy coasting to a comprehensive victory against Millpark in the other semi-final, the scene is set for a showdown with their Hydepark rivals in Lisburn on 9th August.
Originally North Down had been scheduled to host the final of this popular competition that is generously sponsored by Goldblatt McGuigan, but apparently the Comber ground will be unavailable, so the showpiece will be staged at Wallace Park.
Templepatrick were at full strength on Saturday afternoon for the visit of Lisburn II to The Cloughan, where much would depend upon the composition of the visitors' team. Home hopes were boosted when it was realised that the Lisburn senior side also had a match the same afternoon, and when the visitors were dismissed for only 116 with almost ten overs unused, 'Patrick fans were in buoyant mood.
Producing one of his best spells since being promoted to the senior side, James Jackson was rewarded with 4 for 25 off ten, with support from Robert Smith 2 for 25 and Keith Wilson 2 for 22 while Josh Dailly, John Busby and Chris Busby had one wicket apiece.
Lisburn were by no means finished, and when they reduced the home side to 83 with six wickets down, a tense finish was in prospect.
However with ample overs to spare, Keith Wilson (11 not out) and John Busby (18 not out) both batted sensibly, opting for ones and twos instead of flashing the bat, and they saw Templepatrick safely through to their first ever Junior Cup final.
Having seen several Lisburn batsmen flounder playing injudicious shots, Colin Morrow (21) and Richard Greer (17) got the home side off to a promising start before the first wicket went down at 46. Neil Reynolds, skipper Artie Campbell, Robert Smith and James Jackson failed to build on this solid platform, but Lisburn hopes were dashed when Wilson and Busby regained control.
Commenting, club coach Andy McCrea said: "We have been knocking on the door for some time, having reached the penultimate stage no fewer than three times in the past four seasons, so I am absolutely delighted that the lads have made it this time. Last season we were in contention for promotion until we had to fulfil several rearranged league fixtures in September, when we were unable to call upon a number of our school and university students who had rugby commitments.
"We are consistently in the top half of the table, and our ultimate aim will be to achieve Section 2 status. In the meantime we will bask in the glory of a Junior Cup final appearance, while keeping a close eye on our league position."
A special word of thanks goes to Sam Reynolds and club President, Arthur Bowron, who had worked tirelessly throughout the week in order to ensure that the ground would be playable. Early on Saturday morning the tractor and mower were on the move, and when the players arrived there were well earned congratulations all round from both sets of players and officials.
On Saturday Templepatrick entertain Cooke Collegians at The Cloughan, and on Sunday either Millpark or Larne will be in action at the same venue.