BWCUCC fall short as Sydenham prevail in OEM Audio T20 Grand Final
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | December 31, 2025
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club saw its T20 title defence come to a close with a hard-fought loss to Sydenham, going down by 12 runs in an entertaining OEM Audio Premiership T20 Grand Final clash.
Sent in to bat, Sydenham produced a competitive total of 150 for nine, built around another blistering innings from Matthew Tromp. Fresh from his 50 off just 20 balls in the semi-final, Tromp again set the tone with an aggressive 74, controlling the tempo of the innings and keeping the scoreboard moving despite regular wickets falling around him.
Dax Babaria and Jackson Hemingway provided valuable support through the middle overs, with Hemingway contributing 28 to ensure Sydenham had something to defend. For the hosts, Alex Tait was the standout with the ball, claiming four for 24 in a disciplined spell that kept Burnside West firmly in the contest.
Alex Tait was the pick of BWCUCC's bowlers.
Chasing 151 for victory, Burnside West’s reply was immediately tested as Sydenham struck early, including BWCUCC's Canterbury representative, Scott Jannett, with the first ball of the innings. The loss of key wickets in the opening exchanges put pressure on the chase and forced the middle order into a rebuild. English import Ben Wright led the resistance with a determined 45, while Nick Gibb and Matthew Hay also dug in to keep hopes alive.
England's Ben Wright offered the most resistance for the home side.
Despite the fightback, the required rate continued to climb, and Sydenham’s bowlers held their nerve at the death. Makenzie Thomson finished with three for 18, and Srirag Harish added three for 16, closing out the innings and sealing a narrow but deserved win.
Sydenham 150/9: Matthew Tromp 74, Jackson Hemingway 28, Alex Tait 4/24. Burnside West 138/10: Ben Wright 45, Makenzie Thomson 3/18, Srirag Harish 3/16.
