The Chapple Cup has a new home with Nelson defeating defending champions Hawke's Bay in the 2020/21 Final to lift the coveted trophy for the first time in two decades.

Taranaki meanwhile ended its tournament on a high note with victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti for the Cave Cup, with both Finals hosted by Horowhenua-Kapiti at Levin's Donnelly Park.

The Nelson Griffins had comfortably beaten South Island neighbours and rivals Marlborough on the previous day to make this year's main Final, which meant the trophy game was pragmatically reduced to 38 overs per side so that Nelson would be able to get on the road to Wellington to fly home in a timely manner.

It was an exciting Final, a batting blitz from Central Stag Josh Clarkson - an unbeaten 74* off just 60 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes - proving the difference.

SCORES

Nelson had made a fair start after electing to bat, but a strong start from Hawke's Bay Angus Schaw ensured early partnerships were nipped in the bud before they truly blossomed.

Felix Murray, Finn Raxworthy and Greg Hay were all back in the tent inside the first 15 overs, but they had all got starts to take Nelson to 73/3.

Clarkson's knock was the turbo-boost that pushed the total out to 205/8 and, after the early loss of last year's Final hero Bayley Wiggins in reply - caught off Josh Newport, the South Islanders had the edge as Hawke's Bay began a run-a-ball chase.

Fellow opening batsman Matt Edmondson gave the Bay a solid chance with his 79 off 82 balls (five boundaries, two sixes) at the top, but disaster struck in the 28th over when he was run out at 141/3.

The black and whites needed another 66 runs but a clump of wickets would cost them dearly.

Central Stags allrounder Christian Leopard kept the Bay going with 66 off 85 balls before he was caught off Murray by Clarkson.

It was the start of six wickets tumbling in the space of four overs as Nelson roared to the finish line with the ball for a special victory over one of the perennial favourites.

Spinner Murray finished with 3-26 and Ollie Jones-Allen 2-32 as the celebrations began for the first time since 1999.

CAVE CUP FINAL

Taranaki made short work of Horowhenua-Kapiti in the Cave Cup playoff, after posting a hearty 288/9 in their 50 overs batting first on Donnelly Park number Four.

Dean Robinson (41) and Liam Muggeridge (54) set the total up with a solid second-wicket stand, before Central Stag Tom Bruce pelted 80 off just 65 balls and Adam Keene 74 off 49.

Horowhenua-Kapiti fought back with six wickets in the last five overs, but the horse had bolted and they struggled to match Taranaki's boldness with the bat.

The hosts were 94 all out in 22.3 overs, Matthew Good top-scoring with 48 while Taranaki's Mattie Thomas took 3-15.

SCORES

Cave Cup champions Taranaki

Article added: Monday 23 November 2020