THE Imperial Hotel Tigers have held their nerve to take out the 2019 Gunnedah Automotive Premier League Twenty20 grand final.
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In a thrilling match, the Tigers were able to surpass the McDonalds Chargers total of 8-128 with just three deliveries to spare.
Batting first, the Chargers were in early trouble losing their first two wickets with just one run on the scoreboard before a quick-fire 32 not out from Darrin Cameron helped his side see out their 20-overs and post a competitive total.
Troy Sands (2-18) was the best with the ball for the Tigers while Gavin White (2-22) and Lachlan Barton (1-9) helped restrict the Chargers run-scoring opportunities.
In reply, the Tigers looked to have the run chase well in hand at 0-39.
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However, poor running between the wickets and tight bowling from Braithen Winsor (2-26) and Chargers co-captain Farran Lamb (1-15) saw the Tigers lose six wickets for 32 runs to sit at 6-71.
From there, Albion teammates Damien Baldwin (36) and Tigers co-captain Hayden Baker (25 not out) held their nerve and saw the Tigers across the line in the final over.
Tigers co-captain Mitchell Swain told the Namoi Valley Independent the victory was "very satisfying".
"It was a fantastic effort and to see Damien Baldwin and Hayden Baker be under a bit of pressure and get us home was very good," Swain said.
"You don't make grand finals that often, so to get the chance to win one is very exciting."
"He has been fantastic to have in the side lately that's for sure," he said.
"Hayden is a great young kid and I really love playing cricket with him."
This year's competition marked the first time teams had both a senior and junior captain with Swain and Baker working closely alongside each other.
"I think the co-captains idea has worked really well this year, I only wish we had implemented it sooner," Swain said.
"Everyone of those four young guys, who co-captained a team, has the potential to be a future first grade captain and this was a great way for them to get some experience.
"The competition has really stepped up this season and it is really pleasing for us to have come out on top.
"I want to thank the Gunnedah District Cricket Association and all the sponsors for helping put this great competition on."