by Samuel Laffy
Ellinbank (108) def. by Trafalgar (4/109)
As the oft used quote goes, "finals are a funny game."
And Saturday's division five grand final lived up to those words as Trafalgar added some more silverware to the cupboard, claiming an upset six-wicket win over Ellinbank.
The Eagles' aggressive ambitions had seen them compile an outstanding unbeaten season replete with rollicking run chases that showcased the ability of their batters to reach (and clear) the fence.
But in the lead-up to the decider the Ships' Adam Carlson had noticed a pattern which they hoped would provide an advantage, however slim.
Ellinbank's penchant for chasing had seen them bat first just twice across the summer, and upon winning the toss Trafalgar sent their opponents in.
For a time, it seemed as though this decision would haunt the Ships, with Brayden Rintoule (18 from 18) and Matt Dare (28 from 17) once again wasting little time in settling at the crease.
However, Darren Brown (who snared 4/44) induced a half-hearted waft from Rintoule that was snaffled at point, and had Dare caught on the deep mid-wicket fence soon after.
Brent Claridge (0/8 from 6) and Shane White (0/14 off 7) then turned the screws and Ellinbank's ability to rapidly accumulate runs was stopped in its tracks.
Steve Asmussen (2/12 from 5.1) chimed in with late scalps and in the 35th over the Eagles were dismissed for 108.
Trafalgar began their chase knowing that run rate pressure wasn't going to be a factor and instead recognised that seeing off the talented new ball duo of Jaxon Notman (2/16 from 8) and William Auldist (0/8 off 8) was vital.
The dangerous John Asmussen departed early in the piece – dismissed for just five in a rare failure – but Brenton Faltum (who claimed man of the match honours) compiled a serene 38* that anchored Trafalgar's chase.
Claridge (10 from 13) and Colin Parnall (19 off 34) chipped in with handy contributions as the Ships reached victory in the 36th over.