In past years Tamworth has sent a full-strength team to Scone and still struggled to beat Maitland but Blue captain Don Lewington still reckons the Colts can win the Cup.

“They’ve done it the hard way,” Lewington said.

“They had a couple of do or die games and they had to keep winning.

“They’ll win the Coal Board Cup in a couple of weeks after that performance.

“Maitland will have its best side and we’ll have half our best side.

“But it’s good for the kids in the Colts side to get an

opportunity.”

The Colts were too good for the Blue on Sunday.

They scored 6-252, thanks largely to 111 from captain Aaron Flaherty, and then bowled the Blue out for 107.

“It’s a very strong side,” Lewington said.

“Their bowling is strong and when their batting is on they can rack up a big score.

“The two Tamworth teams has been a good concept and if we do it again next year there will be the same rivalry, whether you wear a blue or a gold cap.”

Flaherty played a major role but also had help from Adam Lole (52) and Tim Kensell (39) while Ben Legge was the pick of the bowlers with 4-21.

“Batting first, you aim for 250,” Flaherty said.

“It was good to get it, especially as the wicket gets slower and lower as the day goes on.

“Then I thought Ben Legge bowled us to victory.

“He really stepped up in the final and showed that he has real talent and is a player of the future.”

Flaherty picked up some extra silverware after the game.

He was also named Northern Inland player of the year.

“It was a surprise to me,” he said. “There’s a lot of good players in the zone.

“I’m happy to get this award and it’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.”

His City United, Colts and NSW under 19s teammate Andrew Harriott was named Northern Inland Colts player of the year.

They will also join forces in the NSW CHS team in coming weeks and take on Maitland for the Cup.

“We’ll go down there and hopefully bring back more silverware for Tamworth cricket,” Flaherty said.