It comes together for Fusion
Silverware is finally on the way back to the Far North after the Fusion romped to a six-wicket win in the Bulls Masters T20 Country Challenge final. Redemption was on the cards at the Gabba yesterday for six players who tasted defeat in last year’s final, making the victory even sweeter. Fusion’s Chris Stanger said the win was “a year overdue”. “It definitely feels a lot sweeter after the way we played last year,” he said.
SILVERWARE is finally on the way back to the Far North after the Fusion romped to a six-wicket win in the Bulls Masters T20 Country Challenge final.
Redemption was on the cards at the Gabba yesterday for six players who tasted defeat in last year’s final, making the victory even sweeter.
The Fusion had a plan to bowl first and were lucky to get their wish after the Nitros won the toss and batted.
The hard, white ball baffled the bowlers, who had to bowl cross-seam to contain the swing, but they consolidated in the middle overs to keep the Nitros to 140.
The chase started badly with the loss of Gerard Fox in the first over before Michael Salerno was elevated up the order to see off the openers and allow the middle order more time to mentally prepare.
It allowed Chris Stanger to capitalise alongside Jake Roach, who put on a 62-run partnership in the middle overs to lead the Fusion to victory. Stanger said the win was “a year overdue”.
“It definitely feels a lot sweeter after the way we played last year,” he said.
“It was pretty even I think for a good chunk of the game. It got up to us requiring eight an over at one stage and then I got dropped and the next over or the one after I got 16 off it and that really brought it back down.”
The Fusion dropped “six or seven” catches but coach Rhys Mitchell was pleased his side was able to recover and apply the pressure.
He praised Kyll Wright for an outstanding opening spell before Salerno kept the Nitros in check with three wickets.
Brenton Edwards batted despite splitting the webbing between his fingers.
Stanger, Salerno, Roach and Fox will remain in Brisbane for two practice matches over the weekend ahead of Queensland Country representation next week.