Sunrisers go back-to-back with Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association grand final triumph against Goldrush

Sunrisers’ ascent as a powerhouse in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association in just three seasons was capped off on Saturday in a grand final triumph over Goldrush that secured them back-to-back flags. Two weeks after being forced into a sudden-death semifinal after being bumped out of second spot by Goldrush on net run rate, Sunrisers turned the tables in the decider by three wickets. Goldrush were well-rested after upsetting minor premiers Golden City in the qualifying final, but after winning the toss and batting they were restricted to a modest 7-126. With early wickets crucial in Sunrisers’ title defence, it was Santhosh Kumar Arrabothu who stepped up by grabbing the prized scalps of Dan Smith (7) and captain Josh Chapman (13). It put Goldrush on their haunches at 2-38 before Matt Cannan and Jason Knoll put on 31. Cannan faced 40 balls for his 21 and Knoll top-scored with an unbeaten 39 off 59 balls. However, the big partnership that might have swung the match in Goldrush’s favour never eventuated despite the best efforts of Ben Colling (17 off 18 balls; three fours) at No.7. Arrabothu’s brilliant opening spell was rewarded with 2-15, Ravi Chandra Busi snared 2-32 and Nara Jorige and Manideep Sai Nagavelli each claimed a wicket after Goldrush earlier struggled to 5-73. In reply, Sunrisers’ opening combination of captain Vijay Snehith Meesala (34 off 46 balls; three fours; two sixes) and Aravind Chegonda (18 off 17 balls; three fours) put on 40. They quickly lost 2-0, but the innings was revived by Bharath Goud Kasani (25 off 33 balls) and Nagavelli (15 off 28 balls). No.8 batter Nikhil Kumar Bandaru also played an important role with an unbeaten 15 off 14 deliveries in Sunrisers’ 7-127 in 28.2 overs. Chapman, Zach Hunter and Cannan each took two wickets for Goldrush, with Arrabothu’s earlier heroics earning him the Butch Jenkins Medal as best afield. Sunrisers were formed before the 2022-23 campaign from an eclectic mix of avid cricketers from different backgrounds who had previously lined up in unofficial matches at Shepherdson Park.