Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup: Blake Nikitaras launches St George to the title at North Sydney Oval

A blazing century from former Sydney Thunder opener Blake Nikitaras has seen St George claim the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup. Full grand final wrap from North Sydney Oval.

St George celebrate with the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup after their grand final win over Fairfield-Liverpool at North Sydney Oval, Sunday, October 20, 2024. Picture: Ian Bird Photography

Former Sydney Thunder opener Blake Nikitaras showed he’s still a force, hammering an unbeaten century as St George claimed the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup with a six-wicket victory over Fairfield-Liverpool under lights at North Sydney Oval.

Nikitaras, who was named Player of the Match, rescued his side following a flurry of early wickets before racing through the gears to finish on 107 from 59 deliveries as Saints reeled in the Lions’ 7/166 with 15 balls to spare.

On paper it looks a comfortable win, but with seven overs remaining Saints were teetering at 4/88, still in recovery mode after paceman Hamish Reynolds had earlier removed state stars Kurtis Patterson and Blake Macdonald in the same over.

But in a horror finish for Liam Hatcher, the Thunder regular conceded 45 runs from his final two overs as Nikitaras – egged on by a cluster of vocal Saints fans on the hill – warmed to the task, launching his side across the line with 50 runs from his final 17 balls.

“We started slow with the bat,” said Nikitaras.

“But we weren’t worried, we had wickets in hand and then bang, bang the game flipped again. It was a bit of a blur but we managed to finish well.

“An oval like this is tough for bowlers like Liam. Anything off the bat just goes, especially with his pace and when he’s bowling to the short side of the ground.”

Blake Nikitaras brings up his century for St George in the grand final at North Sydney Oval. Picture: Ian Bird Photography

The victory capped a stellar campaign for the 24-year-old left-hander, whose 382 at 95.5 was a competition best.

“I managed to get a couple on the roof. It’s actually the first time I’ve done that here, I normally get out cheaply, but I’m just so happy we won.”

In a contest riddled with twists and turns. Fairfield-Liverpool opted to bat but quickly hit damage control with chief run scorers Nick Carruthers and Yuvraj Sharma both back in the hutch with only 14 on the board.

Needing inspiration, it took a fine effort from wicketkeeper Coby Holland to put the Lions back in business. Coming in at 5/75, the rising right-hander played beyond his years striking three sixes in a stunning 37-ball knock of 65 not out.

St George captain Nicholas Stapleton (R) with Harry Solomons after the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup grand final at North Sydney Oval. Picture: Ian Bird Photography

“We were lucky enough to get a couple of early wickets, but they were really patient,” said St George captain Nicholas Stapleton.

“A couple of their young guys played some really mature innings which got them to a really defendable total. But “Niko” played one of the best innings you’ll ever see in this format of cricket.

“It was a very mature knock for a guy his age, and he’s the reason that we’re wearing medals tonight.”

Celebrating the victory six months after the club’s Belvidere Cup success in the longer format, Stapleton couldn’t hide his delight.

“It’s not easy to have both titles at the same time,” he said.

“We’ve been playing finals in most formats for a few years now and haven’t been able to turn it into silverware. So that’s probably what we’re most proud of, that we’ve learned how to win those tight games and perform under pressure.”