Beaten in the last three finals, history looked like repeating when they slumped to 5-63.

But Mitchell dug in and, assisted predominantly by skipper Ben Middlebrook and Jack Richards lifted Old Boys to a competitive 8-162.

They then bowled South Tamworth out for 146 with nine balls remaining, to secure the missing piece to their swollen trophy chest.

“We’ve had opportunities the last few years,” Middlebrook said.

“We just keep stuffing up in the final.

“We nearly did it again.”

Aaron Hazlewood’s brisk 23 from 13, which included three sixes, was the best the top order could offer.

“We went hard early and it didn’t pay off,” Middlebrook said.

“We lost a few wickets to some poor shots.”

“We then built ourselves up again and looked like we might get to 120.

“Then a pretty good partnership between Jamie and Jack got us to 160.”

They shared an unconquered 49 run stand, with Mitchell remaining unbeaten on 39 (off 74 balls) and Richards 19 (off 29).

James McGowan (3-23) topped the wickets for Souths after Jamie Hammond (1-42), Tom O’Neill (1-18) and Ryan Meppem (2-37) had done the early damage.

Souths’ pursuit hit an early hurdle with Hazlewood bowling James Maltby for three.

It didn’t prove too much to their peril, bringing the in-form Chris Massey to the crease.

He made 58 from 55, and was threatening to take the game away from Old Boys when he was caught by Hazlewood off Richards.

“He batted well against Bective to get them into the final and was batting well,” Middlebrook said.

“Once we got him out we just kept the pressure on the other batsmen.”

Richards led the charge with 4-35 and was well supported by Hazlewood (3-23) and Will Gell (2-12).

The former NSW paceman really suffocated the Souths batsmen, particularly in his first spell, with his first three overs costing only a run.