East Torrens defeats Adelaide University to claim grade cricket One Day Cup
After falling to the same opponent in another grand final two weeks ago East Torrens flipped the script with a heroic effort to win grade cricket’s One Day Cup.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Cranmer: “We’ll back our young side in and give it a red-hot crack”
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
East Torrens conquered its grand final demons from a fortnight ago to turn the tables on Adelaide University and claim grade cricket’s One Day Cup on Sunday.
A crucial batting partnership between skipper Michael Cranmer and Englishman Ian Cockbain – backed up by a tight team bowling performance – powered the Reds to a 39-run grand final victory at Karen Rolton Oval.
It was a success made even sweeter by the fact East Torrens had lost to the Blacks in the Twenty20 decider last month.
The Reds posted 6/264 before restricting Uni to 225 to secure the title – their second one-day crown in six seasons.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly here >
Cranmer, who made 51 and took a spectacular catch in the outfield off Joe Mennie late in the Uni innings, said the side’s belief was outstanding.
“They got us in the T20 final but this time I thought we were absolutely brilliant,” Cranmer said.
“It was an amazing win. I think we have been good in the short form and we were again in this game.”
East Torrens coach Steve Stubbings said the team’s hard work was starting to pay off.
“This success really started leading in to the season,” Stubbings said.
“We weren’t sure if it would be this season or the next but the boys have shown they could be a side to win premierships.
“They all had to step up and we had to do it without Jakey (Jake) Lehmann who was called up to a Cricket Australia game.’’
East Torrens’ scoring was sluggish early before Cranmer and Cockbain came to the crease with the innings evenly poised at 2/95.
Cockbain, who won the Bob Zadow Medal for best player, hit two sixes and five fours on his way to 81 off 77 balls and Cranmer added 51 off 69 in a well-timed 68-run partnership.
Quick scoring in the final 10 overs pushed the Reds to a defendable score on a slow pitch.
Uni youngster Kyle Brazell (44) and Ben Ellis (43 off 25) battled hard but East Torrens was able to take wickets at crucial times to break partnerships and restrict the Blacks batsmen. Tate Robins (4/33), Luke Robins (3/41) and Michael Cormack (2/49) led the Reds’ attack.
Uni skipper Ben Wakim said his side could not recover after losing the top order quickly following a bright opening stand of 53.
“They were the better team on the day,” Wakim said.
“We just lost too many wickets in clumps and no-one went on to make that big score we needed.
“But hopefully we will have another big one (final) to look forward to.’’
There is a chance East Torrens and Uni could meet in a third grand final this season, with both sides likely to make the major round in the two-day competition.