East Torrens claims its first grade cricket T20 flag and wins a place in national tournament

East Torrens will represent SA in a national grade cricket tournament after winning its first Twenty20 premiership, thanks to a brilliant knock from Adelaide Strikers batsman Jake Lehmann.

East Torrens with the grade cricket T20 trophy after defeating Port Adelaide in the grand final at Karen Rolton Oval.

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East Torrens’ favourite son Jake Lehmann found his form at the perfect time to guide the Reds to their first ever grade cricket Twenty20 flag on Sunday.

The Adelaide Strikers batsman, who has struggled to make an impact this Big Bash League season, was superb as he opened the batting to make 84 from just 42 balls and lead his side to a brilliant chase victory over Port Adelaide.

But it did not come easy for the Reds at Karen Rolton Oval after they were set a massive total of 5/193 by the Magpies.

East Torrens’ Jake Lehmann hit 13 fours as he topscored for the Reds.

East Torrens captain Luke Robins and Jake Lehmann with the trophy after leading the Reds to their first ever flag.

Lehmann stepped up to the plate and worked the ball to all parts of the ground, hitting 14 fours and one six, in an assured innings where he always looked comfortable.

He cut a frustrated figure when he was eventually dismissed, caught behind off Aussie Umpherston’s bowling, and voiced his displeasure at the decision to the umpires’ observers on his way back to the pavilion.

But it is a welcome return to form for Lehmann, who has made just 33 runs in five BBL digs this season.

Skipper Luke Robins (54 from 33) hit the winning runs as East Torrens made it to 2/195 with an over to spare.

“We have pretty much stuck to our guns the whole time to bowling first and chase scores, and we did that today,” Robins said.

“It was an unreal effort by everyone and an unreal chase … batters, bowlers – it was great work.”

Port Adelaide’s Austin Umpherston raises his bat after reaching 100 in the grand final.

East Torrens will now represent SA in a national T20 tournament to be held in Adelaide in March, featuring the 20-over champion clubs from across the country.

Port appeared to have made a winning score on the back of a man-of-the-match knock from stand-in skipper Umpherston.

He smashed 110 off 60 balls and put together a huge 148-run partnership with Aaron Sayers (60 from 45).

Port badly missed regular captain Nick Benton, who injured his knee in the semi-final win over Adelaide earlier in the day and played no part in the decider.

But it was a thoroughly deserved victory for the Reds, who had not won the T20 competition since it began in 2004/05.

East Torrens booked its spot in the decider in thrilling fashion, defeating Glenelg thanks to an overthrow that allowed batsmen Daniel Leigh and Joel Size to run one, securing victory and avoiding a super over.

Port’s 10-year wait between T20 premierships continues.

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