UPDATE: South Wagga has surged to victory, claiming the title of Twenty20 kings after defeating St Michael’s by 33 runs in a thrilling grand final at Robertson Oval on July 13, 2023. The Blues, who only secured one T20 win last season, completed a stunning turnaround by finishing the tournament undefeated.
Winning the toss, South Wagga chose to bat first, setting a competitive total of 8-125. Captain Brayden Ambler led from the front with a powerful 43 runs off just 25 balls, supported by Joel Robinson with 26 runs and Warren Clunes adding 22 runs. The innings concluded with crucial late runs from Jed Guthrie, who remained 14 not out.
Robinson then took center stage with the ball, dismantling the St Michael’s batting order with impressive figures of 4-13, including a spectacular hat-trick. The Blues bowled St Michael’s out for just 92 runs, securing their second consecutive trophy.
“It was a bit of a funny afternoon,” Ambler reflected post-match. “The wicket was tricky, but our boys adapted well and executed our plans effectively,” he added, praising Robinson’s standout performance.
The match began with a shock for the Blues as star player Alex Smeeth was dismissed for a duck. However, his early wicket of St Michael’s dangerous opener Beck Frostick turned the tide, giving South Wagga a crucial advantage.
Ambler emphasized the importance of this early wicket, stating, “If we get him out early, that’s a really important key. Having him in the sheds early was very pleasing.” Despite the setback, South Wagga maintained their bowling strength throughout the innings, achieving what Ambler termed one of their better bowling performances.
Robinson’s all-around performance, which included a caught and bowled, made him a clear candidate for best-on-ground honors. Ambler expressed pride in his teammate’s contributions, commenting, “If your number three is doing that every game, it makes my job pretty easy.” Ambler’s explosive innings featured three sixes but was ultimately cut short by a remarkable catch from Frostick.
Despite the celebrations, the match took a toll on Clunes, who suffered a hamstring injury. Ambler confirmed Clunes would not be rushed back into action, emphasizing the need for proper recovery as they approach the critical phase of the season.
“We’ll get him to chill out for a bit,” Ambler explained. “We’ll ensure he’s fit for the back end of the season.” Meanwhile, St Michael’s bowlers Frostick (2-12) and Dave Garness (2-21) performed admirably, but the batting lineup struggled to build momentum against South Wagga’s disciplined bowling attack.
The thrilling grand final not only crowned South Wagga champions but also showcased the resilience and determination of a team that has transformed its fortunes from last season. With their perfect season, South Wagga is now the team to watch as they look to maintain their dominance in upcoming matches.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how South Wagga will carry this momentum forward, with their next challenge on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable team as they aim for continued success.
