CULCAIRN broke Henty’s four-year stranglehold on the Holbrook and District Cricket Association with a thrilling 23-run victory in the grand final at Culcairn yesterday.
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After making 204 and having their opponents reeling at 8-121, the Lions were forced to overcome some tenacious lower-order batting from Dave White (23) and Nick Murray (17) before getting their hands on the silverware.
Youngster Keegan Jenkins was the hero with the ball for Culcairn, grabbing 5-47 off 20.1 overs, all being bowled.
Culcairn star Steve Brand said the Lions knew the grand final was going to be tough.
“We expected it from Henty,” Brand said.
“That last wicket partnership of 20-odd on Saturday from Norm Barlow and Lee Roberts really got us over the line in the end.
“We thought it was going to be a battle of our bats against their bowling and fielding and there wasn’t much in it.
“It’s just good to win one again.”
Culcairn’s Jamie Cooper top-scored with 59 on Saturday while Brad Ravenna (31), Adam Eady (31) and Barlow (24) also made vital contributions.
Steve Hallam led the way for Henty in the chase with 45.
Henty skipper Chris Manns was proud of the way his players fought it out after losing early wickets.
“It was only 20-odd runs in the end and the boys really fought it out,” Manns said last night.
“I was confident when Nick and Dave were batting but it wasn’t to be.”
