The Whiting Financial Services Wellington A team have retained their North Island T20 Quadrangular Tournament crown, beating Auckland A by 32 runs in the final this afternoon.

Sri Krishnamurthy's side took two wins and one loss from the round-robin stage – losing first up to Auckland but following up with convincing wins over Central Districts and Northern Districts to qualify for this afternoon’s final.

Wellington Firebirds batsman Fraser Colson led the way in the decider, hitting an explosive 83 to help his side claim back-to-back North Island Quadrangular Tournament wins and their third title in four years.

Colson finished the tournament with 154 runs at an average 55.

The tournament was also a memorable one for Mitchell Scott and Jakob Bhula whose unbeaten opening partnership helped their side to a big win over Central Districts.

The third competition win in four years is another reminder of the strong growth shown in the Cricket Wellington Pathway system.

Current Firebirds Peter Younghusband, Fraser Colson and Jakob Bhula were all involved in this year’s squad, and Michael Snedden and Troy Johnson have also had experience at the highest domestic level.

The wins also highlight strong progression in the Cricket Wellington coaching pathway.

Current Wellington Blaze head coach Ivan Tissera led last year’s Wellington A side to the title, and current Firebirds head coach was the coach of Wellington A in 2017.

The Wellington A team will next be in action in the new year when they take-on Central Districts A in two T20 matches.

Tournament results: Whiting Financial Services Wellington A champions

Auckland A 167/5 (G Beghin 42, F Allen 41, A Leonard 2-19) beat Wellington A 110 (M Scott 18, P Younghusband 15, R Hira 4-19) by 57 runs

Central Districts A 119/8 (A Gill 30, E Child 24*, M Snedden 4-13) lost to Wellington A 122/0 (M Scott 77*, J Bhula 39*) by 10 wickets

Wellington A 178/5 (F Colson 66*, M Scott 29*, S Johnston 2-25) beat Northern Districts A 153 (B Popli 39, C Swanson 36, J Mann 3-36) 152 by 25 runs

FINAL: Wellington A 171/7 (F Colson 83, J Bhula 38) beat Auckland A 139 (F Allen 47, W O’Donnell 19) by 32 runs

Article added: Thursday 28 November 2019