Sport
19 March, 2025
Blackstars claim Mount Isa cricket honours
The hot favourites overcame a nervous start to be big winners over Cavaliers.
Blackstars are the 2024-25 Mount Isa Cricket Association champions after a resounding win against Cavaliers on Saturday.
While the Stars were the hot favourites heading into the grand final, the Cavaliers had them concerned in the early stages of the contest after winning the toss and electing to bat.
After racing to 0/40, the Cavs looked poised to post a formidable tally in the 30-over match until a collapse had them skilled for just 86 at Captain Cook Oval.
After the openers put on 23 and 26 respectively, no other Cavalier was able to score double figures.
Cameron Squires led the bowling with 4/16 from four overs, while Nadeesh Wickramasekara was miserly with 3/8 from five overs.
In reply, Blackstars wasted no time to chase down the tally, securing victory in the ninth over.
Openers Nick Burton (56) and Anurang Singh Dhaliwal (25) sent the ball flying to all corners of Captain Cook Oval to give the Stars a comprehensive 10-wicket win.
Blackstars stalwart Ash Benson said the win capped off a great season for the club, with Nadeesh Wickramasekara named the MICA cricketer of the year.
“We were confident heading into the grand final but you never know in these games,” he told North West Weekly.
“We were missing some players as well, which is why I managed to get a game.”
The veteran said it was his ninth premiership for Blackstars since his first in 1999.
“The competition has had its ups and downs over the years but the main thing is to keep it going because we know it’ll be strong once again,” Benson said.