Bulls crowned Kooka kings

CARDINIA took the 2007 Twenty20 Kookaburra Cup after defeating defending champions Tooradin in front of a large crowd at Devon Meadows on Sunday.
After winning the toss, the Bulls got off to a flying start with opening batsmen Steve Patterson and Mark Cooper blasting 50 off the first 19 balls.
Their stand was broken when Patterson was caught for 29 off 13 deliveries and followed by Cooper (27 off 13) in the following over.
Despite testing bowling from legspinner Rory Alder (3/39), the Bulls continued to score at a healthy pace, thanks to a controlled innings from Ben DaRose.
With the support of Jamie Glen (35 off 27), DaRose stroked eight boundaries and a six on his way to 70 notout from just 46 deliveries and guide his side to a challenging 7/200.
Trevor Johnston (33 off 21) and Adam Richmond (23 off 18) made an excellent start to Tooradin’s difficult run chase, scoring 50 runs off their five overs.
An excellent spell of bowling from Adam Hobson curtailed the Seagull’s early momentum and reduced the defending champions to 3/69 after eight overs.
After stumbling to 5/116, Andrew Sparks (44 off 28) and Ben Mantel (12 off eight) breathed new life into the run chase, however the reintroduction of Hobson saw both batsmen fall and the Seagulls title defence come to an end.
Hobson returned the outstanding figures of 4/23 off four superb overs and Dwayne Doig the final two wickets to finish with 2/28.
Ben DaRose was named man of the match for his classy innings of 70 notout and 1/23 from three overs.
Cardinia will receive $1000 for winning the 2007 Kookaburra Cup, while Tooradin will get $500.
After the match, Tooradin announced that half of its prizemoney would go towards junior Ryan Eatons AusLanka academy trip through Asia.
Brad Remy also enjoyed a profitable day after catching a Ben DaRose six and pocketing $100.