Day 1
Devonport has given itself a good chance of knocking over minor premiers Sheffield after a see-sawing opening day to the 2nd Grade grand final at the Sheffield Recreation Ground.
After being sent into bat by the visitors, the Mountaineers put themselves into a strong position at 2-73, thanks mainly to Sheldon Parker. But the Orions rebounded in the second session, picking up three quick wickets to reduce the hosts to 5-97.
Parker and Hugh Clarkson then added 52 for the sixth wicket before Parker's 270-ball vigil at the crease ended on 75 off the bowling of Chris Lindsay. This started a collapse of 5-15 as Sheffield were all out for 164 off 93 overs. Lindsay was the pick of the Orions attack with 4-38 from 25 overs, with Hashan Abeyrathna chiming in with 3-31 off 17 overs.
Devonport openers Jade Doherty and Lochie Reid safely negotiated the final few overs and will begin day two on 0-1.
Day 1 – Sheffield 164 (B Fidler 22 (91 balls), S Parker 75 (270), H Clarkson 23 (65), C Lindsay 4/38 (25 overs), H Abeyrathna 3/31 (17) versus Devonport 0/1.
Day 2
Devonport has taken out its 23rd NWTCA/CNW 2nd Grade premiership following a remarkable come from behind win against defending premiers Sheffield on Sunday.
Set 165 for victory, the Orions looked dead and buried at 9-124 when captain Chris Lindsay was caught behind off the bowling of Tyson Crawford.
However, Hashan Abeyrathna, who came in at number six and number 11 Richard Glover had other ideas, combining for an unbeaten 41-run partnership, with Glover hitting the winning runs behind square to begin wild celebrations.
Unsurprisingly, Abeyrathna took out man of the match honours for his knock of 95 not out from 138 balls which included seven fours and one six, to go with his 3-31 during Sheffield's innings.
The Moutaineers were best served with the ball by Jacob Woodcock (3-27), who gave his team a great start in the morning, while Tyson Crawford (2-17) and Hugh Clarkson (2-53) the other multiple wicket takers.
Day 2 – Sheffield 164 lost to Devonport 9/165 (H Abeyrathna 95no, J Woodcock 3/27, T Crawford 2/17, H Clarkson 2/53) by 1 wicket.
Player of the Match: Hashan Abeyrathna
Report: Brad Cole
