This year’s winners, North Kalgoorlie, deserved to win after a brilliant performance all year round, which climaxed in their near annihilation of Hannans.

The grand final is a 200-over match played over two days, with each team allowed a maximum of 100 overs in their first innings.

North Kalgoorlie won the toss and elected to bat first. Opener, Matt Fink got off to a quick start, scoring 42 runs before being caught by Greg Roos off the bowling of Adam Rayner.

Batsmen of note were Ryan Mitchell (38) and Mark Lemm (57). Lemm scored four fours during his time at the crease, which ended in a wicket for Nick Murphy as Rayner took a good catch.

The Hannans bowlers took wickets regularly, but not frequently enough. Murphy ended the day with figures of 13 overs, two maidens, 41 runs and three wickets.

Rayner did his part to keep the score down

finishing on 16 overs, five maidens, 29 runs and one wicket. Brendan Anderson and Dane Stewart each took two wickets.

North Kalgoorlie ended their first innings on 245 for 9, after completing their allotted 100 overs.

Hannans got off to a bad start with the bat as opener Adam Melbourne left for a duck, pinned in front of the wickets by Craig Mitchell.

Roos (4) lifted a ball to Ryan Mitchell who took an easy catch, soon followed by Josh Bartel (1) who succumbed to the umpire’s finger, leg before wicket off the bowling of Nick Willis.

Top scorer for Hannans was Glenn Virgo (17). Virgo’s short-lived innings included a six and two fours before he became another lbw fatality, courtesy of Craig Fritchley.

The North Kalgoorlie bowlers were having a field day, with figures more suited for a match between wild lions and pet cats.

Undoubtedly the top bowler, Fritchley bowled 10 overs which included four maidens, 21 runs and four wickets. Mitch Brennan finished his 11 overs with five maidens, 16 runs and two wickets.

Hannans were all out for a dismal 56 runs in 33.4 overs. The run rate was a mere 1.67 per over, so Hannans would have been disappointed with their performance.

Instead of sending Hannans back to the crease for a follow-on, North Kalgoorlie decided to continue batting and further dampen the spirits of the Hannans players.

The tactic worked as Hannans declared, 22 overs into the North Kalgoorlie second innings. With the score at 49 for no loss of wickets, the North Kalgoorlie players were clear winners.

North Kalgoorlie claimed a first innings win by 189 runs, to take their place as top team for 2008.

All teams will be looking forward to the next season, hoping to dethrone the current champions.