Demons smash record
Jewell and Page Jr win final with highest CTPL T20 partnership
NORTH Hobart openers Caleb Jewell and Patrick Page Jr have combined for the highest T20 partnership in the history of the CTPL to deliver the Demons the first trophy of the 2020-21 season.
In incredible scenes at Blundstone Arena, Jewell (125 not out from 49 balls) and Page Jr (53 not out from 39) motored down a 182-run target with 33 balls spare in the grand final against University.
Their unbroken stand eclipsed the previous record of 177 set by fellow Demons Nick Kruger and Russell De Groot back in December 2010.
Jewell — who earlier in the season smacked the highest individual T20 score (139) — pulverised the Lions attack in clubbing 11 sixes and eight boundaries in an astonishing display.
No bowlers were spared as the dynamic left-hander targeted the short boundary to the Ricky Ponting Stand side of the ground, including twice hitting Sam Harbinson over the roof which resulted in replacement balls being required.
After bringing up his halfcentury from 25 deliveries, Jewell raced to three figures in his next 19, and finished the match in style by cracking three consecutive sixes off spinner Bailey Kenzie.
Having rocketed to 42 from 21 himself, Page Jr was relegated to the best seat in the house in the second half of the chase.
“I have probably struggled a little bit in the last four or five games after that day I had out at New Town,” Jewell said of his whirlwind knock. “It is probably one of the better innings I have played for the club and in a grand final.
“Once we were chasing 180 it sort of took that (pressure) away, you’ve got no option but to really go out and play your shots.
“Pretty special (the partnership), especially to do it with Patty, I’ve known him for a long time, it is good to see him have a contribution as well.”
The effort came after a sloppy fielding effort from the Demons, who were also penalised six runs for a slow over rate.
Nuwan Kavinda dropped three times was and caught behind off a no-ball on route to his unbeaten 89 from 66 balls, which provided the backbone of Uni’s 5-181.
Jake Doran pitched in 43 from 25, but it all proved to no avail as Jewell and Page Jr provided a smorgasbord of pyrotechnics.