Unbeaten Heaton, who have now won the event seven times in nine years, romped through the schedule in Palmerston North, winning all five games, with only St Matthew’s Collegiate (Masterton) providing genuine opposition in their final 20-overs-a-side contest.
“Heaton has competed at the tournament since 2005 and in the early years they achieved a raft of seconds and thirds,” said coach Barry van Beurten.
“However, since 2012 they have been widely perceived as the team to beat.”
Captain Lily Young was proud the team were able to maintain their high standards throughout.
“The last day was definitely the hardest but I am extremely proud of the team and some outstanding individual performances by a fantastic team,” she said.
Ominously for their rivals, five of this year’s team will be available to play in 2021, when Heaton seek three titles in a row.
Results:
Heaton 146/4 beat Remuera Intermediate (Auckland) 33 (9.4 overs); Heaton 137 beat Tawa Intermediate (Wellington) 38 (8.2 overs); Balmacewen Intermediate (Dunedin) 54 in 13.1 overs lost to Heaton 58/4 (7.2 overs); Heaton 119 beat Tauranga Intermediate 45/6 (20 overs); Heaton 90 (17.1 overs) beat St Matthew’s Collegiate (Masterton) 63 (11.3 overs).
