It was Moree’s second victory over Armidale in two weeks, following an 18-run win away last week which saw them finish the representative season undefeated.

Coach Jeremy Matthews praised the home side’s fielding and bowling intensity in the grand final clash, after the Moree boys dismissed Armidale for 85 runs in the 29th over.

Brad Swan was the pick of the bowlers once again, following up his five-wicket haul last week in Armidale with figures of 3/11. Jack Matthews also claimed three wickets, for which he conceded a miserly 13 runs. Andrew Kirk (1/9), Henry Ledingham (1/20) and Joe Ticehurst (1/16) all picked up a grand final scalp, while Tom Vanderstok effected a run-out. 

Man of the match Edward Montgomery led a comfortable run chase with his 21 not out the top score as Moree cruised to victory for the loss of four wickets with seven overs to spare. 

Ledingham was not out on 11, while Lliam Lawson scored 10 and Alec Manchee seven runs.

Matthews made a special mention of four boys and their families who moved away from Moree at Christmas but saw out the representative season. 

“You’ve got to play at least two season games to be eligible for the grand final and there was only one game after Christmas, so if they hadn’t had travelled up we would have had to have fielded eight players,” Matthews said. They were Andrew Kirk, Joe Ticehurst and Lliam and Lachlan Lawson who travelled from Armidale, Tamworth and Dubbo, respectively. 

Of the others, four will now be eligible for the under 14s team next season while four will remain in the under 12s.