BLU does title double

BLU competed in the quarter-finals in November, defeating Cobram by five wickets to book its ticket to grand final day on Sunday, January 25, in Bendigo, with the semi-final and grand final matches held back-to-back.

BLU took on United from the EVCA in the semi-final round and picked up a comprehensive nine-wicket win to surge into the final.

United was held to 6-122 from its 20 overs, the Lions’ Noah Turner (2-26), Kade Pearse (1-18) and Jeremy Felmingham (1-26) all wicket-takers, while Luke Thompson was part of two Rochester run outs.

In response, BLU captain Regis Chakabva put the innings on his back, belting 13 boundaries in a knock of 84 unbeaten from 54 balls, his side reaching the total in 15.2 overs.

It set up a title showdown with Strathfieldsaye Jets from the BDCA, who got past Strathdale-Maristians in the other semi-final.

The Lions won the toss and elected to chase again, Strathfieldsaye putting together an innings of 3-149.

Thompson was damaging and miserly with the ball, taking 2-17, an economy of 4.25 an over, including the innings’ only maiden.

Pearse grabbed the other BLU wicket.

The Lions burnt through wickets in an attempt to buy runs and the strategy paid off as each of the top five made starts.

Joel Felmingham (39), Chakabva (26), Woody Wilson (22), Thompson (23) and Prateer Mehta (19) made good scores at a decent clip, although it was an uncomfortable conclusion as BLU lost two wickets in the penultimate over to go eight down.

With two still required from the last, Jeremy Felmingham and Brett Mundie held their nerve to guide BLU to the trophy.

Thompson was named player of the final after a good showing with bat and ball.

After also defending its GMC T20 crown this season, BLU will now be looking to complete a historic treble as it sets its sights on the McMahon Shield.