Rovers create history with back-to-back premiership glory

The Port Hedland Rovers are still riding high after an electrifying T20 grand final win over South Hedland, securing back-to-back premierships for the first time in club history.

After a tumultuous season against fierce rivals — Port Hedland and South Hedland, the Rovers booked their ticket straight into the April 4 grand final.

The semi-final against South Hedland determined grand final fate and the Rovers came out swinging.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Adam Norton (67 runs off 41 balls) and Josh Harvey (61 runs off 34 balls) fired all cylinders to get Rovers off to a great start.

Then came Mark Cashion, who lit up the field with a blistering 34 runs off 16 balls, including three towering sixes, leaving the Rovers with a commanding 6-204.

“South Hedland did their best to chase us down, ending the game with a win for the Rovers with a final score of 7-167,” Harvey said.

“Liam O’Neill (2-10-4) too good with the ball and some strong hands in the field from Andrew James and Lochie Vigar advancing Rovers to the grand final.”

In the grand final, Rovers once again won the toss and padded up.

Liam O’Neill, with a change of roll, made 46 runs off 39 balls, and Josh Harvey (54* runs off 37 balls) got the team off to another great start.

Once the game plan was in motion, Mark Cashion came out with a brilliant 48 runs off 17 balls and four sixes to end the innings on 4-177.

“South Hedland had to come out strong and who other than their captain Tommy Christidies to lead the way (66 runs of 58 balls) and Daniel Dunkley (22 runs off 27 balls),” Harvey said.

But it was not enough as the bowling attack from the Rovers was too strong with Liam O’Neill (2-17-4), Josh Harvey (4-27-3) and Todd Keyser (1-2-1) sealing the game up with South Hedland finishing all out for 131.

“A special mention to Mark Cashion taking out the MVP for the game (48 runs off 17 balls), three fours, and four sixes, which was game-changing,” Harvey said.

“Another special mention to Josh Taylor, who was injured during the grand final and Adam Norton who was away for the grand final, but we thank them for their performances throughout the season.”