City's James Thompson batting during the NCA Lion Red 2015/16 50 Over final. Photo/ Tania Whyte
City's James Thompson batting during the NCA Lion Red 2015/16 50 Over final. Photo/ Tania Whyte
City are the 2015/16 NCA Lion Red 50 Over champions after coming out on top of a gripping final versus Kaipara Flats at Cobham Oval.
Getting the job done in the 45th over of the second innings, City successfully restricted Kaipara to 144/10; in doing so adding another trophy to the cabinet after securing the Northland T20 title earlier in the season.
Taking five wickets, City vice-captain Craig Little's performance was a key component in getting his side across the line in the closing stages.
"It's always pretty special to take five, especially in a final and when the team is after a few quick ones," Little said.
"The one thing we talked about today is that we were going to leave nothing out on the field.
City's Harry Darkins clips a shot toward square leg during the NCA 50 Over final between City and Kaipara Flats. Photo / Tania Whyte
"No matter what situation we were in we were going to give it everything we had to make sure no stone was unturned."
Batting to 171/10 in the first innings, City's top order got things off to a good start in what eventuated as a well-needed innings across the scorecard.
Getting stuck into the run chase, Kaipara were sitting on 112/6 after 33 overs to keep the winning odds for both sides wavering back and forth.
However, a barrage of breakthroughs began to shift momentum in City's favour as pressure mounted at the crease for the Kaipara tail order.
Despite some well timed shots and tidy, selective, play, Kaipara were slowly worn down on a slowing Cobham deck.
"We played on this wicket yesterday and we knew that as the day went on it was going to get slower," Little said.
"We backed ourselves to bowl full and straight, and in the end we had enough runs on the board," he added.
"Kaipara are a quality side, and they do bat all the way down.
City's Jeremy Guy batting during the NCA Lion Red 2015/16 50 Over final. Photo/ Tania Whyte
"They've got some guys who can turn a game on its head quickly, [but] we always knew that 170 runs was going to be enough."
Stacking on some impressive runs via several boundaries and productive running between the stumps, Kaipara were in the chase right until the end.
However, the City bowling unit proved too hot to handle as the last of the late afternoon sun dipped below the Western Hills.
"Winning a one day comp against a quality side like Kaipara is always a good win," Little said.
"It's a huge win for us, and obviously winning the T20 comp as well gives us two out of the three trophies that are available, so that's always a pretty special season when you can come away with two from three."
