The Greater Northern Raiders clinched their first Cricket Tasmania Premier League Kookaburra Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Kingborough by 76 runs. A standout display by fast bowler Ben Hann was pivotal, as he took 5 wickets for 15 runs in just seven overs, including three wickets in a single over, to dismiss Kingborough for 182.
Hann’s performance was particularly impressive given that he had only played two previous games for the Raiders, contributing just six overs in those outings. He missed the semi-final the previous weekend, making his impact in the final all the more remarkable. The match took place at Ninja Stadium in Hobart on March 15, 2024.
The Raiders set a formidable total of 258 runs, primarily thanks to Cooper Anthes, who scored 60 runs, and Sam Omahony, who contributed an unbeaten 55 off just 36 balls. This victory marks the Raiders’ second title in men’s cricket after previously winning the Twenty20 championship and reaching several two-day semi-finals.
In the final, the Raiders’ opening partnership of Oliver Knowles and Thomas Dwyer laid a solid foundation, reaching a 50-run partnership before Dwyer was dismissed for 12 runs. Knowles followed shortly after, scoring 46 runs with six boundaries and a six. Anthes, who had recently displayed strong form, continued to build momentum, reaching 69 runs by the first drinks break.
The innings saw a mix of strategic batting and explosive hitting. Anthes, after surviving a dropped catch early on, formed a crucial partnership with captain-coach Alistair Taylor that pushed the score to 95 runs at the halfway point. Taylor scored 23 runs before being caught on the boundary, leaving Anthes to anchor the innings.
Anthes reached his half-century in style, hitting a six over mid-wicket, and continued to find the boundary with ease. Ultimately, he fell for 60 runs, but not before setting the stage for Omahony and Brayden DeVries, who added vital runs in the final overs. DeVries made 41 runs off 38 balls, while Omahony’s explosive finish included a six that brought his total to 55 runs.
With the batters having set a challenging target, the Raiders turned to their bowlers. Hann made an immediate impact, dismissing Kingborough’s captain Dylan Hay for 11 runs with just his second delivery. After a brief interruption due to a broken stump, the Knights reached the drinks break at 59 runs but lost momentum as Hann and DeVries combined to take crucial wickets.
Despite a promising innings from Zac Curtain, who scored 87 runs, Kingborough struggled against the Raiders’ tight bowling. Curtain’s dismissal marked the turning point, as Hann took three wickets in quick succession, sealing the victory for the Raiders. Hann’s efforts earned him the Danny Buckingham Medal for player of the match, while Curtain was recognized as the young player of the final.
This historic win not only showcases the talent within the Greater Northern Raiders but also highlights the depth of cricketing skills present across Tasmania.
