Tigers snuff out Scorchers in thriller

The Tigers claimed the Albany Junior Cricket Association under-16 premiership in thrilling fashion, winning by 15 runs and denying Scorchers back-to-back titles on Sunday afternoon.

Chasing the competitive total of 208 for victory, Scorchers moved within sight of inflicting only the Tigers’ second loss of the season until a match-winning run-out from Hayden Parker swung the match back in their favour.

The last two Scorchers wickets added 39 runs after they had slumped to 8-153 thanks to a devastating spell of 4-8 from Tigers seamer Sam Steel.

But Aubin Spurr and Mitchell Trott (15 not out) had other ideas, adding 36 for the next wicket before the direct-hit run-out of Spurr on 46 with the victory target only 19 runs away and five overs remaining.

Callum Duffield was then removed three runs later to hand the Tigers the win.

Earlier, the crucial dismissal of Scorchers captain Ted Batchelor on 52 from 51 balls, and opener Chayse Pearson (37 from 55 balls,) led to the Scorchers suffering a middle-order slump when Steel was introduced into the attack.

The Tigers were sent in to bat to start the day, finishing their innings with a flurry in the final 10 overs to reach 8-207 from their 45 overs.

The Tigers added 69 in their final 10 overs, thanks largely to contributions from Ryan Davies (44 not out from 55 balls) and Hayden Parker (38 from 24).

The pair’s vital 52-run stand pushed the Tigers towards 200 after wicketkeeper Aidan Dallimore compiled a patient 40 from 83 balls and captain Tom Wolfe added 35 from 39 balls.

Brent Johnson, Spurr and captain Ted Batchelor each snared two wickets.