Highland win 20-20 trophy
A good performance by Highland CC in last weekends 20-20 tournament saw them lift the silverware in consecutive years.
Perhaps the trophy belonged to Highland from the start of the tournament. After amassing a massive 205 (Jonathan Crabtree 78) against Fort William, Highland made things a bit difficult for themselves against Buckie before JP's quickfire 52 and a blistering innings from Kenny Cameron took them to a respectable 137.
The Semifinals was played in Nairn against an Elgin side that was keen to cause an upset and took some early wickets. Stuart Catto then produced a stealth innings( 54) that took Highland to a challenging 149. Elgin was in deep trouble after loosing their top 5 batsman in under 5 overs. Following an easy victory, Highland then proceeded to Forres for the Finals against old time rivals, Lossiemouth.
After winning the toss, Highland stuck to the proven formula of batting first. Crabtree and Nixon departed early leaving Highland struggling before Regan Francis (28) braved the lossie bowlers and some late hitting by the lower order took Highland to 131.
Highland was starring at defeat when Lossiemouth were 73/1 in 9 overs chasing 132 for victory. Then in the space of 4 overs the game had turned upside down and fortunes reversed as Highland bowlers produced 4 excellent overs claiming 7 wickets while giving away only 4 runs. Steve Laidler led the collapse having missed a straight full toss to be given out LBW to Crabtree. But the Ball of the day was Crabtree's vicious ball that disturbed the woodwork of Dave Wolton for a golden duck. It was that moment that Highland sniffed a chance.
What followed then was pure magic by a pumped up, re invigorated Highalnd team. Catches, runouts, dives and constant banter and backups probably confused the lossiemouth batsman on what they needed to do to win. One after the other the batsman left the crease and by the time some sense had crept in, it was too late. Lossiemouth folded for 112 to give Highland The trophy.
A great tournament with some great intensity cricket and good performances has certainly lifted the spirits of the Highland players who will now look to win the cup and the remaining matches of the league.