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| Mark Wilson |
Self-title 'underdogs' Valley came up trumps in the final of the Borton Cup senior club cricket competition at King George Park on Saturday.
The team went against the odds, taking the victor's title of last years champions, and this year's favourites, Union.
Valley won the toss and sent Union in to bat. Openers Glynn Cameron and Ali Fanene got the ball rolling with a solid 43-run partnership until in-form Valley bowler Kelvin Mansfield took the wicket of Fanene. Cameron followed shortly after, also falling prey to Mansfield who finished with bowling figures of 4 for 43.
A half-century, punctuated by fours, by Mark Wilson was the highlight of Union's innings. He was the only batsman to escape Union's middle order collapse to medium-pace bowler Mark Shepard who took 3 for 43.
Valley's chances of surpassing Union's score of 188 initially looked uncertain when Jason Mavor was given out lbw to Richard Sidon after only one minute at the crease. But his dismissal brought Kelvin Mansfield in to bat, who went on to score a powerful 44. He was well-supported by Paddy Bleach (25).
Other good innings came from Brad Kernahan (37) and Stefan Mavor (22) who guided Valley through to 192 for seven without being dismissed.
Valley captain Paddy Bleach said his team's victory was a "big surprise". While Union was the better team on paper, several key factors has contributed to Valley's win.
"Kelvin Mansfield's batting and bowling was exceptional. Brad Kernahan was the clincher for the game and Stefan Mavor nailed it for us," he said.
Union captain Peter Cameron said he as disappointed his team had lost the final, but he commended Valley for their match-winning effort.
"They played well and beat us on the day. We're annoyed we didn't win it, but it's good for other teams to get a chance," he said.
Short Scorecard(s)
Senior - Borton Cup - Final
Valley Senior vs Union Senior at King George Park
Union Senior 188 ( M. Wilson 57, P. Rudduck 30, A. Fanene 26, P.R. Cameron 14, G.R. Cameron 11, K. Mansfield 4-43, M. Sheppard 3-43, P. Bleach 2-39 )
Valley Senior 192-7 ( K. Mansfield 44, B. Kernahan 37no, P. Bleach 25, S. Mavor 22no, C. Smith 16, N. Donaldson 3-30, M. Wilson 2-45 )
Valley by 3 wickets
Full scorecard for the match
Player Pages:
Glynn Cameron | Bradley Kernahan | Kelvin Mansfield | Jason Mavor | Richard Sidon | Mark Wilson |