Black Stars had been the class act all season, losing only twice.
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The top placed side even had finals wood over second-placed Panthers beating them in the T20 final and again the last time they played three weeks ago.
But when one played two again in the grand final it was Panthers who stood up tallest on a hot day at Sunset Oval on Saturday to take a surprise premiership from under the nose of the minor premiers and warm favourites Black Stars.
The Black Stars batted first but it was no advantage – it meant they would be toiling in the field in the heat of the afternoon.
Their batsman tried their hardest to give them a platform for success.
Jamie Stewart crafted out a masterful 87 not out to anchor the innings.
Ash Benson was also superb knocking off a handy half century before being dismissed on 54 LBW to Birchley.
But apart from Scotty Kyle with 22, their danger bats were contained and the Stars finished with a total of 6/233.
Burri and McCormack took two wickets again and there was a belief among the Panthers that 234 was a very getable especially when set off at a run a ball early in the run chase.
After losing an early wicket skipper Dan Tucker joined Dominic Clark for a decisive match-winning partnership.
Clark’s swashbuckling 77 included six whopping sixes, each of which sliced a dangerous into the wounded champions’ hearts.
Tucker was happy to play the back-up role as he compiled a patient 48 keeping the runs – and the strike – ticking over nicely.
With ten overs to go they still needed over a run a ball and when the two Panthers playmakers disappeared in quick succession the Black Stars maintained the pressure, like the quality side they are.
But when Michael Genocky came in to make 61 runs it was clear the momentum had swung to Panthers who took the contest in the final over with four balls to spare to win by five wickets.
At the presentation Mount Isa Cricket’s Dave Wellington congratulated both teams on an excellent grand final in a season that saw all Mount Isa T40 teams enjoy the trip down to Cloncurry.