Black Stars claim minor premiership as Panthers win on last ball

Winning the toss and batting first the Cavaliers opener Cody Tully came and went for a quick fire 20.

Sam Peters made a solid start with 23 and after eight overs the Cavs were in a steady position at 1-60.

But then Black Stars left arm spinner Nadeesh came in to take 4-13 off seven.

Nadeesh's storm then caused a Cavalier collapse in partnership with Bartello 2-34 off eight.

Cavaliers were left scratching their heads all out for 113 off just 24 overs.

At the change of innings Cody Tully (4-31 off eight) steamed in bowling Trent Cameron for 1 in his second over and then sent back Scott Kyle LBW (0).

At the first drinks break Cavaliers remained in the game with the score showing 3-33.

But Black Star opener Cullis refused to throw away his wicket and anchored his side home with a patient 33 not out.

By the 26^th over the Stars had chased down the modest total with five wickets in hand, confirming they finish the season on top of the ladder.

RELATED NEWS: Panthers don't go down without a fight

RELATED NEWS: Panthers and the Bulls climb the ladder as only one round remains

In the remaining game of the regular season the Panthers beat the Bulls on the very last ball of day.

Batting first the Panthers started well with both openers Dom Clarke (39) and Nick Donker (43) batting with their head down.

The first wicket fell at 1-89 after 17 overs and Panthers batsman then struggled to get more than a start.

This was due to handy bowling from Melwin 4-20 off eight and Calum Jones 3-42 off eight.

The Panthers were then bowled out for 198 off 39 overs.

Cavaliers started shaky losing both openers Wes Hall (8) and Melwin (4) cheaply due to a swinging ball from Blaine McCormack 1-17 off eight and Sharp 1-34 off seven.

However the Bulls fought back hard off the back of a solid knock from Nareen (58) and Patrick (45).

The game remained in the balance and came down to the Bulls needing 57 off the last ten with seven wickets still in the shed.

The Panthers then turned to spinner Micheal Genocky who bowled well for 3-27 off five.

Then on the last ball of the game the Bulls needed a six to win.

Genocky put a bit of extra flight on the ball and Bulls batsman Michael Clarke ran past it and the game was over.

Genocky said he knew he had it in him to win the game.

"I remember getting into the skippers ear a few times reminding him I still had my eight overs up my sleeve, eventually he listened and I brought us home like I knew I would," Genocky said.

This week kicks off the beginning of the finals where top two sides Black Stars and Panthers face off at Sunset Oval for a position straight through to the grand final.

The remaining final is between third and fourth at Captain Cook Oval between Bulls and Cavaliers in an elimination final to play the loser of the other final.

Read Also: Mount Isa's Tanika Marshall plays for Indigenous All Stars

While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday