North Tamworth's bowlers conjured them an unlikely second grade title on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Defending just 82 off 38 overs the Redbacks bowled Old Boys out for 67 after taking the last five wickets for just eight runs.
Peter Watson claimed the final wicket to give him 4-14 in a sterling performance and secure Norths their fourth second grade major premiership in five years.
“It’s my first year as captain of second grade and amazing feeling and amazing bunch of guys,” skipper Glenn Simpson said.
They batted first and, after a delayed start, got to 3-83 at stumps on Saturday with Evan Brownsmith notching an unbeaten half-century.
Phil Constable also hit 20 in a 55-run second wicket stand with Brownsmith.
That would be where their innings ended with overnight rain leaking through a hole in the covers and preventing play recommencing until 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
Chasing 83 to defend their title off 38 overs, Old Boys could never really build any momentum but at 6-59 were still well in the hunt with skipper Mal Collier looking in ominous touch.
But when he was lbw to Constable for 16 (off 19) it was the start of the end of Old Boys’ reign with the last two wickets falling a run later.
Tim Swan was the only other batsmen to reach double figures as Watson, Constable (3-5), Tim Constable (2-15) and Matt Zell (1-32) concocted a memorable win.
Pat Bryant was on Saturday the best with the ball for Old Boys with 2-14.