Meadowbrook High are the 2010 urban area ISSA/First Global ‘A’ League cricket champions after a narrow 19-run victory over Tarrant High at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

The hero for Meadowbrook was slow right-arm bowler Raymond Thompson, who finished with six wickets for 31 runs to dismiss Tarrant for 87.

Only middle order batsman Kenroy Nembhard offered any resistance with an attacking 39, but with his dismissal Tarrant folded as Thompson ran through the lower middle order.

After Meadowbrook had made 198 on Thursday, Tarrant resumed on 54 for four yesterday, but found the going tough and were bowled out for 163 to concede first innings honours. Odaine McKenzie top scored with 61 and Ryan Edwards chipped in with 39 against Jermaine Cole (3-50) and captain Oshane Walker (3-75).

Knowing that a draw would have sealed the title, Meadowbrook were perhaps a bit complacent and found themselves wobbling at 32 for nine before a 40-run last wicket stand between Ferron Johnson (23 not out) and Navarone Forbes (16) dragged the score to 72.

McKenzie took three for 13, while Matthew Cranston and Ramon Barracks took two wickets each for Tarrant.

Chasing a likely target of 108, Tarrant were then stunned by Thompson to send Meadowbrook supporters into wild celebrations.

Winning coach Donat Gordon felt it was an even contest and praised his team’s confidence and fighting spirit throughout the two days. “I think it was an evenly contested game and befitting of a final. It was the type of game that a cricket lover would like to see with the twists and turns. There were times when we were concerned, but we were definitely confident throughout,” he said.