Stirling defeated Mount Lofty by four wickets in the ‘A’ grade Grand Final at Heathfield today to claim back-to-back premierships in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) for the first time in 44 years. For the second year in a row, Stirling batsman Harrison Webb hit the winning runs in the decider to send the Eagles’ players and supporters into wild celebrations. Earlier, minor premier Mount Lofty posted a competitive total of 5/174 from their 45 overs with opening batsman Josh Healey top scoring with 65 from 98 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). He was well supported by Ryan Pistola (31 not out), Adam Carthew (22) and Connor Milde (20). Stirling used six bowlers, with Ned Hopgood the standout taking 3/30 from seven overs. Jack Pick (1/22) and Pete Fryer (1/26) were the other wicket takers for Stirling. 

The Stirling run chase got off to a fast start with Jack Read (24 from 17) and Daniel Gonzalez (14 from 19) adding 40 runs inside six overs for the first wicket, before both batsmen were dismissed with the score at 2/40. Skipper Pick was joined by Jacob Kemp in what would prove a crucial partnership as this pair added 79 runs for the third wicket before Kemp went for 38 (74 balls). This brought the experienced Fryer to the crease, but he was soon on his way back to the sheds as Connor Milde (2/32) claimed his second wicket of the over with Fryer going without scoring. Mount Lofty were back in the game and when Pick went for 40 (95 balls), it was game on with 34 runs still needed for victory. Enter Webb who hit the ball cleanly, scoring 29 not out (33 balls) with four decisive boundaries. Adam Carthew (2/33) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Redcaps.

It was a great season for Stirling with their ‘B’ grade also winning the premiership, and one suspects the celebrations will be long and loud at Stirling Oval.