By Doug Barnes

The B Team Blaster have taken out the third T20 Big Blast title after a relatively comfortable win over the Port Royals.

It was the first time either team had made the biggest game of the T20 season with both hoping that they would be the first to drink from the freshly forged trophy.

The Port Royals got to bat first on a well-used wicket and made a cracking start, Dave (22) and Rhino (3) playing sensible cricket to take the score to 35 of just 4 overs, some wayward bowling helping the cause for the Royals. An incredible direct hit from Randal Smith, and some great bowling from the Blasters, started a comeback from the for the teacher and student team.

Youngster Ben Shrimpton took the two big wickets of Johnny Caswell and Wes Glass to have the Royals in trouble. Randal chipped in with two wickets and a stumping, with Pitty (26) leading a rear guard action to help the Royals reach a below par score of 85 off 19 overs.

Skipper Sam Evans opened with the reliable Mark Barnes, the skipper hitting two sixes and two fours to make up his 22 off 23 balls, Barnes adding 7, unlucky as he struck a boundary as the lights went out to add a touch of intrigue to the final.

Matt Andrews hit a four to start his scoring but didn’t hassle the scorers again. Shrimpton and man of the match, Smith, scored 15 and 20 respectively to guide the Blasters to their maiden T20 victory. Al Ingram (1 for 11) and Tony White (1 for 5) were the pick of the Royal’s bowlers.

The third year of the newest format of the game was extremely successful. A massive thank you needs to go out to all the volunteers who umpired, scored or manned the bar, giving up their time for a truly local competition.

Season 4 promises to be just as competitive and enjoyable for all of those involved.