Sent in by Mimosa, the defending premiers scored a competitive 6/175 from 40 overs.

Nathan Corby was the star, scoring 68 not out. Corby and Mark Elia added 98 runs for the sixth wicket, with Elia scoring 25.

Earlier, Mark Stimson’s hunch on sending the Crusaders in was vindicated when Scott Meale was dismissed for a duck and James Smith for 7; the Crusaders had some work to do at 2/7.

Darren Connell and Matt Berkrey added 50 for the third wicket, with Connell making 30 and Berkrey, 27. The the icing on the cake was Corby and Elia.

Mimosa was bowled out in the 32nd over for 108, Adam Swanson top scoring with 37.

Josh Purtell captured 3/1 from two overs. Dean Bradley snared 2/20, while Nathan Corby capped off a fine match by capturing 2/18.

For his great all-round performance, Corby was awarded the man of the match. Darren Connell was full of praise on Corby’s innings, saying it was the best he had seen Corby bat.

The Crusaders did not play a match at Albert Park after Christmas, and Saturday’s final was only their fourth match since the Christmas/New Year recess.

The Crusaders premiership side included: Mark Elia (captain), Darren Connell, James Smith, Nathan Corby, Scott Meale, Adam Twyford, John Stephens, Dean Bradley, Tom Grace, Josh Purtell, Ray James and Matt Berkrey

In the Dunk Insurance/Blooms Chemist final at Gus Smith Oval, Burrangomg easily accounted for the Criterion Hotel Gunners. Burrangong, after finishing third on the ladder, scored 148 and then restricted the Gunners to 105.

Interesting to note that in the four finals so far in the Delta Agribusiness competition, the winning margin has been very decisive: 62 runs, 119 runs, nine wickets and 67 runs.

Darren Connell was the leading batsman at the awards presented at the Young Golf Club. He made 263 runs at 37, while Dean Bradley was the leading bowler; 23 wickets at 7.67.