Kingsgrove T20 Cup final between Bankstown and UNSW decided

The home team dominated to take the silverware in an exciting Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup final this week played in heatwave conditions.

Winners are grinners. The Bankstown winning side.

Bankstown collected its first Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup silverware with their defeat of the University of NSW in heatwave conditions at their home ground on Tuesday.

And the Bulldogs saved their best for last with the highest total ever in a Kingsgrove Cup decider played in horrendous 39 degree temperature.

Bankstown, 6/184, bowled out UNSW for just 114 for a 70-run win.

And the victors spoils included $12,000 in Kingsgrove Sports prizemoney while the runners-up pocketed $400.

YOUNG GUN OUT TO IMPRESS

He’s a young gun University of NSW will look to as they bid for their first Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup silverware on Tuesday against Bankstown.

Jack Attenborough only made his first grade debut last season but recent stellar form has made him important to the success of UNSW in the T20 Cup final on January 26 at Bankstown Oval.

“He’s our highest run scorer and key to our attack,” said UNSW’s Corey Richards.

UNSW cricketer Jack Attenborough. Pic: John Lupton.

The 19-year-old former Scott’s College student from Vaucluse started his cricket career in South Africa, urged on by his mother.

“I started when I was five growing up in South Africa,” he said. “My mum (Michelle) is a fanatic. She is the one who started putting me into coaching when I was five.

“She just loves the game.”

Playing his junior cricket at Eastern Suburbs, he moved across to UNSW to play Green Shield at 14 and has since made his way through the ranks.

“Growing up I was alway doing a couple of sports but when I decided I wanted to pursue cricket was when I was in the under 12s,’’ Attenborough said.

“I scored 100. It was a big thing for me. I was playing with south eastern reps and it was a bit of a rarity.”

The UNSW team after winning their way into the T20 finale.

Attenborough, who is studying commerce and advanced computing at Sydney Uni, said his dream is to pursue a career as a professional cricketer.

On Tuesday, Attenborough will face some of his old teammates from the NSW under 19s team in Brad Simpson, Liam Marshall and Zeeshan Ahmed.

“I know them pretty well,” he said. “The best part of playing them is we can all have a beer after the game no matter what happens.”

Bankstown defeated Parramatta to earn this spot in the final. UNSW defeated Gordon to secure their berth.

CRICKET A HOME AWAY FORM HOME FOR THIS PLAYER

Bankstown bowler Ben Taylor has recently spent his weekdays working on a farm just outside the ACT and his weekend’s playing cricket in Sydney and driving hundreds of kilometres to and from games.

And for some time he’s been barred from going home to Canberra due to coronavirus restrictions

Taylor has changed his living arrangements so he can still work near his Canberra home but doesn’t need to cross the border.

Ben Taylor playing for Bankstown. Pic: Supplied.

“I’m playing in Bankstown which has been a hot spot so have been living just outside the ACT. It’s been a logistic nightmare,’’ said Taylor, who is also studying agriculture.

“I’m at Gundaroo working on a farm which is in NSW and coming backwards and forwards.’’

His dedication to the cause has paid off with Taylor and his teammates preparing for their first appearance in a Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup final at Bankstown Oval on Tuesday.

Taylor has taken 13 wickets in T20 cricket this season - including a five wicket innings - and another 19 in first grade for Bankstown.

Taylor, who was born in Newcastle and lived there and Orange before relocating to Canberra with his family as a teenager, played with Bankstown captain Nathan McAndrew in second X1 and NSW country cricket.

“They needed a spinner and that’s how I got to Bankstown,’’ he said.

“As a club they have been really supportive.’’

Ben Taylor playing for Bankstown. Pic: Supplied.

Taylor said he and his team, which fell in last year’s T20 semi, will go into the January 26 final with confidence.

“We beat them first round of the season so we have a bit of confidence but in T20 anyone can pull it off on a good day,’’ he said.

The Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup final between Bankstown and UNSW will be played at Bankstown Oval from 2:30pm on Australia Day and livestreamed on www.dailytelegraph.com.au.

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