All-rounder Sol Zak was the star of the show for the Tigers, smashing a blistering unbeaten 38 off 26 deliveries with the bat, before backing it up with the ball with a clinical spell of 3-19 to see his side over the line.
After a dominant season that yielded a minor premiership, Notre Dame-St Brendan’s came into the grand final brimming with confidence as it won the toss and decided to bat.
Levi Duffy (10), Jack Hudson (16) and Clancy Keenan (14 not out) got the Tigers off to a solid start, before Zak came in at number five and commanded Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
One of the best innings you are likely to see at under-12 level, everything he touched turned to gold, as he single-handedly boosted his side to a strong first innings total of 115.
With a tough mountain to climb in the run chase, Northerners began strongly courtesy of two expert knocks by Jimmy Blekic (22) and Jai Brown (22).
As the game reached its climax, momentum constantly shifted between the two sides as onlookers could not turn away from the action for a second.
A late cameo by Bodhi Lee (13 not out) threatened to take the game away from the fancied Tigers, before that man Zak rose to the occasion again.
Bowling 3.5 overs, the Tigers threw him the ball and he delivered, taking 3-19 in what ended up being a match-winning spell.
With the score sitting at 8-114 at the conclusion of the 25th over, the Notre Dame-St Brendan’s faithful rejoiced as the Tigers survived a major scare to clinch the elusive title.
This win will be extra sweet for Notre Dame, as it avenged the semi-final defeat it suffered last season.
