THE South East Coasters have stormed their way to the Border Cup title after a dominant victory over Geelong on Thursday at Scott Park.
South East’s 10-wicket win saw the home side finish as the only team to remain undefeated throughout the entire competition after previous wins over Adelaide and Hamilton.
It was a must-win game for the Coasters to ensure they would raise the cup in their own right.
The home side took to the field first and forced Geelong post a score.
However, the Coasters did not have to wait long for their first dismissal, as opening bowler Phil Dohnt found the edge on just the second delivery of the match.
One ball later, Dohnt managed to repeat his successful delivery to leave the away team in tatters at 2/0.
Dohnt’s remarkable double-wicket maiden set the tone for the remainder of the match, with the Geelong batsmen unable to break free from the unrelenting South East attack.
Once Guy Eastwood and Peter Franklin retired after their short but defiant stand, the wickets began to tumble again.
Garry Fox found the wicket of the Geelong captain Gary Lott for one and Max Arney bowled Steve Drew for a golden duck.
The Geelong batsmen could not build a strong partnership as Fox, Arney, Neil Perry and Dale Bateman all claimed a wicket during the middle-overs.
Colin Hutchesson and Phil Verco wrapped up the tail with two wickets each which included the denial of the returning Eastwood (28) and Franklin (22) to bowl out Geelong for the final score of 96.
In pursuit of victory Steve Bell and Max Young erased any early nerves, after the opening pair retired for 10 and 13 off their 25 balls respectively.
Three sixes off the bat from Bateman headlined his 19-ball, 42-run rampage, which set the run-chase alight and crushed any faint Geelong hopes of victory.
Arney retired for a well made 15, before Verco (18) and Noel Stratman (2) saw the Coasters home to complete a convincing 10-wicket win and lift the Border Cup in style.
