UPDATE: South Wagga has been crowned the new T20 champions after a decisive victory over St Michael’s by 33 runs in the grand final held at Robertson Oval on October 12, 2023. The Blues, who had only one win last season, completed an undefeated run this year, marking a stunning turnaround.
Winning the toss, South Wagga opted to bat first, finishing their innings at 8-125 thanks to solid performances from captain Brayden Ambler (43 runs), Joel Robinson (26 runs), and Warren Clunes (22 runs). Robinson then dominated with the ball, taking an impressive 4 wickets for 13 runs as St Michael’s crumbled to just 92 runs.
Ambler expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “It was a bit of a funny afternoon…to get 125 at the end of the day, I was pretty happy with it and thought it was pretty defendable.” Robinson’s standout hat-trick during the match not only changed the game’s momentum but also positioned him as a strong candidate for best-on-ground honors.
St Michael’s faced early setbacks, losing key player Beck Frostick in the first over, a critical wicket that Ambler highlighted as vital. “If we get him out early, then that’s a really important key,” he said. Despite their efforts, the team struggled against South Wagga’s disciplined bowling strategy.
Ambler’s explosive knock, which included three sixes, came to an end after a remarkable catch from Frostick. Reflecting on the batting conditions, he noted, “It was quite hot out there, and it was really hard to get going…I got onto a couple there.” However, a hamstring injury to Clunes cast a shadow over the celebration, with Ambler confirming they would take care not to rush Clunes back into action.
The Blues’ depth showed as they secured their second consecutive trophy, with Robinson’s all-round performance proving pivotal. “If your number three is doing that every game, it makes my job pretty easy,” Ambler remarked.
As South Wagga celebrates this monumental win, the focus will now shift to maintaining their momentum as they head into the rest of the season. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this championship drive continues to unfold.
What’s Next: South Wagga will look to build on this success and secure further victories in upcoming matches, while St Michael’s will need to regroup and strategize for their next challenges.
