Cranbourne crowned Regional Big Bash Champions

The Eagles dictated the terms of engagement throughout the contest with an even spread of contributors with bat and ball.

Brandon Tyzzer (29 off 32) and Matt Chasemore (39 off 35) steered the chase with minimal fuss. Once the tournament’s leading run scorer, Steven Spoljaric, arrived to the crease and settled, Cranbourne effectively had one hand on the trophy.

Earlier on, East Belmont had a tough-time scoring freely, as wickets plagued the innings at the most unfortunate times.

The ability to hit a steady flow of boundaries underpinned the contest at the MCG. Cranbourne managed to hit 12 boundaries, whereas the Lions’ eight boundaries arose mostly in a single flutter.

Opener and noted danger-man Sean O’Neill threatened early to launch his side into a strong position. But Cranbourne’s Cameron Kelly made sure that O’Neill’s innings was merely a cameo, dismissing the in-form opener for 21.

The next 40 deliveries would fail to see a boundary hit. In fact, the boundary drought was only broken after the fourth wicket was lost, with Becker Nguyen responding in stunning fashion by smashing three sixes in four balls.

Kelly broke the batting assault once more though, clean bowling Nguyen for 30 (off 19) with the score 5-86 in the 14th over.

East Belmont’s run-rate predictably stagnated but the wickets continued to fall too. Losing the final four wickets in nine deliveries, left the Lions’ bowlers with the smallest room for error in the second innings.

Ultimately, Kelly’s two prized wickets of O’Neill and Nguyen earned him player of the match honours.

Cranbourne’s victory comes after successfully winning their way through the Melbourne Stars conference. East Belmont represented the Melbourne Renegades conference.

 

East Belmont 10-107 (Nguyen 30, O’Neill 25, Kelly 2-19, Plunkett 2-5, Spoljaric 2-15)

Defeated by

Cranbourne 3-110 (Chasemore 39, Spoljaric 34*, Tyzzer 29, Nguyen 1-18)