A heroic last-wicket stand between Hashan Abeyrathna and Richard Glover has seen Devonport take out the 2024-25 Cricket North West 2nd Grade grand final in thrilling fashion.
After slumping to 9-124 in reply to Sheffield's 164 on day one, the Orions looked set for defeat until Abeyrathna and Glover combined for a 41-run partnership to seal the club's 23rd flag in 2nd Grade, and their first since the COVID-interrupted 2019-20 season.
The winning runs came in just as an exciting way as the result itself, with Glover deciding to come back for a second run after he worked the ball behind square and narrowly beating home the throw to the wicketkeeper.
The winning runs sparked a rush of teammates on to the ground, including Glover's son Jake, who was also playing in the game.
While Glover (13 not out) will be recorded as the man who sealed the victory, the result would not have been possible had it not been for a superb innings from Abeyrathna, who remained calm while wickets fell around him.
He finished game unbeaten on 95 not out off 138 balls, in an innings that also included seven fours and a six, and deservedly took out the player of the match award thanks also to his bowling figures of 3-31 the day before.
The Orions gave themselves every chance of victory when they bowled the minor premiers out for 164 on Saturday. The Mountaineers looked set for a handy score at 3-96 before the experienced pair of Abeyrathna and captain Chris Lindsay (4-38 off 25 overs) chipped away at the middle order.
Sunday's triumph capped off a strong season of success for the club, with the Orions also taking out the 1st Grade T20 and North-West Community T20 titles, and the Under 16 boys premiership.
The full scorecard of the 2nd Grade grand final is available here.