Winning the toss and batting first, Oamaru had an early setback, losing Nick Johnston (1), in the second over. Quinn Wardle (34) and Lachlan Brookes steadied the innings, adding 68 runs for the second wicket before Brookes was dismissed for 24 and Wardle soon followed — Duncan Drew taking an outstanding diving one-handed catch.
Luke Taylor then took over the innings. In fine form throughout the season, he top-scored with 73 to help Oamaru to 206 for nine in their allotted overs — their first score under 250 since early February.
The total looked to be a little below par and that was thanks to good bowling and fielding; Brad Fleming finishing with three for 48 and Daniel Martin three for 28.
In reply, Union was rocked early losing their top-four batsmen in quick succession to leave them at 25 for four after 10 overs.
Veteran Jeremiah Shields played a lone hand, combining with Scott Kitto (12) and Kane McLauchlan (14) to keep Union’s hopes afloat, but with the Oamaru bowling and fielding making runs difficult to come by the pressure was starting to tell. The end came quickly for Union, losing their last three wickets in successive overs, Shields the second last to go for 27, to be all out for 93 in 32 overs.
Bradley Flint was the star of the Oamaru bowling, taking five for 10, and knocking the top off the Union lineup.
The victory means Oamaru added the Borton Cup to the DG Sewell Shield (Minor Premier) and Payne Tempero Cup (challenge) it won earlier in the season.
It is Oamaru’s 36th senior championship banner since its first in the 1900-01 season.
In the Club30 final, Valley beat Waitaki Boys Sewell by 13 runs.
By Scott Cameron
