Elliot Stevenson
University has become the youngest team to ever win a CTPL premiership, following a 9-wicket over New Town at Ninja Stadium on Sunday.
The Lions fielded six teenagers, all of which contributed to the win, with a team average age of just 20.
Coach Ben Hilfenhaus wins a premiership in his first season in charge of the side, but he credits the entire club for the success.
“I think the key is that it’s about the club and the path that we’re trying to take going forward,” he said.
“To develop these players and give them some game time and experience
“What we saw yesterday with the young guys given a go was that they were actually having an impact on the game.
“It’s pretty exciting that they were able to step up and enjoy playing on Ninja Stadium.”
The Bucks posted a challenging score of 9-222 of their 50 overs, with Trent Millhouse [69 off 93 balls] transferring his form from 2nd Grade, in which he scored a century against Uni just two weeks ago.
Contributions from Joe Randall [28 off 56 balls], Jayden Vince [29 off 36 balls], and Liam Tollard-Williams [27 off 55 balls] ensured the Bucks would put up a defendable target.
Hobart Hurricanes star and mystery-spinner Patrick Dooley made the most of his allotted overs, taking 3/40.
Captain Param Uppal [2/38] and young quick Louis Smith [2/51] were also damaging with the ball, taking key early wickets.
With 223 to win, it was all frowns in the University camp when Nikethan Radhakrishnan was bowled by Caelan Maladay with the first ball of the innings.
But the Lions did not show their belly and were quickly consolidated by the impressive Param Uppal at three, alongside opener Tom Chapman.
The pair put on a 226-run partnership to take Uni to the promised land, with Chapman making 108 not out off 133 balls, his first century since the two sides played each other last season.
Hilfenhaus was incredibly happy for Chapman and his ability to stand up in a big moment.
“He’s been there or thereabouts this season but has been a bit unlucky at times,” he said.
“For him to bat a few balls and do the hard work early and cash in.
“We’re absolutely stoked for him and what he brought to the team yesterday.”
Uppal [99 not out off 118 balls] could well be the form batsman of the competition.
The Lions captain is averaging 97 over his last four games, including two half-centuries and one century.
It’s University’s first Kookaburra Cup premiership since the summer of 2020/21, in which they defeated North Hobart in a thrilling final.
Only one player played in both premiership victories, with batsman Zac Phair the consistent name across the four-year span.
Hilfenhaus’ relaxed approach to coaching and unwavering trust in youth has breathed new life into his side.
“We tried to keep our routines as normal and possible and didn’t try and hype it up too much,” Hilfenhaus said.
“We made the players all aware that it’s a pretty big game and it’s pretty special to be a part of.
“The boys just loved the opportunity and brought lots of energy which was great.”
Uni were also victorious in Saturday's 2-day match against Clarence, bowling Clarence out for 205 to hold on to a 32-run win.
Fast bowler Louis Smith was the standout with the ball, taking 2-11 off 9 overs, with an economy rate of just 1.22.
New Town will leave the weekend without a consolation after falling to North Hobart by 27 runs at the TCA Ground on Saturday.
It was young pair Hamish Ayliffe [4/31] and Rafael MacMillan [3/46] who did the bulk of the damage for the home side, while Bucks batsman Jesse Willmott [41 off 58 balls] and Caelan Maladay [41 off 72 balls] can hold their heads high.
Kingborough won against Lindisfarne despite a shaky second innings performance with the bat.
The Knights bowled their opponents out for 173, with the Lightning falling short by 73 runs.
Cameron Walter took four wickets for the visitors, before Kingborough were sent back out to bat.
The ever-consistent Keegan Oates, alongside James Beattie and Lachie Nichols, tore through the Knights batting lineup, leaving them 7-96 at the end of play.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay was dominant against Glenorchy, with the Sharks steamrolling through their opponents to win by 207 runs.
Leg-spinner Caedence Kuepper took 5/21, his first five-wicket haul of the season, while Archie Banks-Smith chipped in with 3/26.
Glenorchy were dismissed for 102, and subsequently sent back out to bat with the impending threat of an outright loss.
Ryan Graham-Daft and captain-coach Josh Hartill did enough to steady the ship, taking the Magpies to stumps relatively unharmed.
In the women’s competition, New Town secured a win over Clarence, courtesy of a blistering innings from opening batter Jannilla Glasgow.
The West Indian, hailing from St Vincent and the Grenadines, made 70 not out off just 57 balls to take the Bucks to 145 off their 20 overs.
Glasgow’s international compatriot Shawnisha Hector also starred for the Roos, making 66 not out off 42 balls.
New Town was able to hang on to win the match by seven runs, with Glasgow taking two wickets to go along with her batting masterclass.
A powerful batting display by Greater Northern’s Emma Manix-Geeves took the Raiders to a close victory over North Hobart at Latrobe Oval.
The Tasmania Tigers star scored 68 off 58 balls in a 6-wicket win, helping to chase down North Hobart’s 120, doing it with five balls to spare.
The Raiders, along with New Town, sit two points clear of third, with just two games remaining for each team in the T20 season.