The Roos have conceded the grand final on day 2

A record-breaking innings from Ben McDermott has lifted Lindisfarne to one of the most comprehensive CTPL grand final victories seen against arch rival Clarence.

Ben McDermott plays a defensive stroke. CTPL Grand Final day 2 Clarence v Lindisfarne at Blundstone Arena. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

A RECORD-breaking innings from Ben McDermott has lifted Lindisfarne to one of the most comprehensive CTPL grand final victories seen against arch rival Clarence.

Tigers star McDermott cracked an unbeaten 217 – the highest individual score in a first grade grand final – to propel the Lightning to 3-460 and a lead of 251 at Blundstone Arena yesterday.

It was enough for the Roos to call stumps with one full day still remaining, allowing their Eastern Shore rivals to kick off celebrations last night at Anzac Park.

While McDermott produced one of the great knocks he also helped re-write several additional records, sharing a grand final record partnership of 292 alongside Charlie Wakim (117), while Lindisfarne’s total was the highest ever team score in a decider.

The McDermott-Wakim union was a club record stand for any wicket, while McDermott’s double century was just the third by a Lindisfarne batsman.

Sam Rainbird of Clarence bowling in the CTPL Grand Final day 2 Clarence v Lindisfarne at Blundstone Arena. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Sam Rainbird of Clarence bowling during day 2 of the CTPL Grand Final Clarence v Lindisfarne at Blundstone Arena. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“That was unbelievable, he was so determined, we came off [Friday] night and at every break today he had that look in his eye that he wanted to make as many runs as possible and completely bat them out of the game,” premiership coach Matthew Wilkie said.

“Him and Charlie did an unbelievable job, and were absolutely ruthless in the way they defended and the way they hit the boundaries as well.”

McDermott and Wakim resumed on 33 and 21 respectively, with the Lightning 2-94 in pursuit of Clarence’s 209.

The duo weathered an early storm for the Roos attack, content to ensure they didn’t give the minor premiers an opening as they took the score to 2-182 lunch and once they moved into positive territory shortly after the break went about ramming the advantage home.

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The only success Clarence had on a demoralising day was when Lawrence Neil-Smith trapped Wakim LBW, ending his 236-ball, 347 minute stay at the crease.

McDermott then found another ally in Keegan Oates, with the state under-19 star compiling an unbeaten 53.

But the grand final belonged to McDermott, who occupied the crease for seven hours and 24 minutes, faced 362 balls and hit 22 boundaries and four sixes in his unconquered masterpiece.

“Just the concentration he showed, the fact he batted a whole day on top of the session last night was unbelievable,” said Wilkie, who took 4-35 on Friday and alongside Nathan Ellis (5-73) set the game up for Lindisfarne by restricting the Roos.

“It was a bit of a weird feeling [when Clarence conceded], there was a feeling of relief because we were so geared towards driving and driving, we kept expecting there would be a turn in the game.”

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