Lithgow and Bathurst both went into the 2017-18 Mitchell Twenty20 Cup final on Sunday undefeated.
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Bathurst completed its dream run with a 19-run victory over Lithgow.
After accounting for last year’s champion Orange during the semi-final earlier in the day, Bathurst returned to the Sportsground to take on the only other remaining undefeated team in the competition. Lithgow had had similar success against the Blue Mountains on Sunday.
“We probably shouldn’t have bothered with the toss. We were always going to bat first and Lithgow were always going to chase because that’s what they love to do,” Bathurst captain Qureshi said.
“In their first six overs Lithgow always come out swinging hard.”
Bathurst made its way to 5/163 from its 20 overs, led by a strong knock from opener Josh Toole (45) and a 70-run stand between Connor Slattery (39) and Jameel Qureshi (36).
Lithgow came out ready to chase as Ben Sheehan (52) and Dallas Tilley (39) piled on 88 runs for the opening wicket.
However, once the partnership was broken Bathurst never allowed the visitors to settle, holding Lithgow to 8/144 as their 20 overs were used up.
Lithgow captain Ben Sheehan said, after needing eight an over from the start, the team got off on the right foot.
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“We were in front of the run rate after 10 overs but then had a bit of a collapse,” he said.
“Two of our normally safe batters got out for ducks and then there was the pressure as the run-rate built.”
Lithgow went into the final after wins over Mudgee at Mudgee, Orange at home and Blue Mountains on the morning of the final.
“The team went really well, we beat Orange pretty easily, the signs were all good,” Sheehan said.
Bathurst's Toole hit six fours and a six on his way to 45 until he was caught just shy of another half century.
At 4-85 the innings could have gone either way for Bathurst but the crucial Slattery-Qureshi partnership put their team in a commanding position.
Mick Hutchinson led the way for Lithgow with 2/27.
Lithgow’s chase got off to a dream start through Sheehan and Tilley. The opening pair hit 12 boundaries.
Sheehan’s dismissal at the hands of Luke Powell marked the turnaround for Bathurst.
Ryan Gurney was removed for just six before Joel Gurney and Todd Costello were both out for golden ducks.
Lithgow’s Andrew Fawbert (24) provided middle order fight but not enough to get his side home.
Nic Broes (2/10) finished with best figures.
Adam Ryan (2/21), Powell (2/30) and Ben Mitchell (1/32) claimed the other Lithgow wickets.