Sunrisers the new kings of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association

Sunrisers’ ascent from Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association newcomers to premiers in just two seasons was completed last Saturday in a tense grand final victory with a ball to spare over St George.

Butch Jenkins medallist Manideep Sai Nagavelli led Sunrisers’ effort, grabbing 2-19 when St George were sent in to bat and compiled 7-151.

His bowling was complemented by Aravind Chegonda, who took 2-35.

St George were under early pressure at 2-24 but opener Lindsay Pankhurst was St George’s batting linchpin with 46 off 72 deliveries, underpinned by three boundaries.

No.4 batter Toby Virgin contributed a hard-hitting 27 off 28 balls with three fours and Adam Woolley faced 31 balls for his 21.

However, the side lost 3-6 late in the innings.

Opening the innings for Sunrisers in reply, captain Vijay Snehith Meesala struck four boundaries in his 36 off 41 balls and Chegonda’s aggressive tactics yielded 18 off 19 balls.

Nagavelli then took charge, compiling 48 off 47 balls at a strike rate of 102.12.

It was a sensible knock that produced just two boundaries as he diligently worked the gaps. Vice-captain Nara Jorige contributed 19 off 34 balls in the side’s 7-152.

Rowan Doab led St George’s bowlers with 3-19 and Pankhurst snared 2-29 after earlier being on a hat-trick.

The clash at Shepherdson Park reflected a strong rivalry between the competition’s top two who banked identical 11-4 win-loss records during the qualifiers.

St George finished first on percentage and earned a direct path to the grand final when the second semifinal was abandoned because of rain.

Sunrisers booked their grand final spot by edging out Veterans in the elimination final.

The team was formed before the 2022-23 campaign from an eclectic mix of avid cricketers from different backgrounds who had previously lined up in unofficial matches at Shepherdson Park.