For the first time, Central Districts Cricket has lifted both the NZC men's and women's Gillette and Gillette Venus Under 19 National titles in the same season.
Not only that, but it's a first-time championship win for the CD men, to go with two titles in three years for CD's U19 women.
Captained by Manawatu wicketkeeper-batsman Curtis Heaphy and coached by Horowhenua-Kapiti's Chad Law, assisted by Taranaki's Kurt Leuthart, it was a special week for the Districts after going through the five one-day rounds unbeaten, effectively clinching the title when they beat strong contender Canterbury Under 19 on the last ball in a match at Christ's College.
CD needed a four off the last ball to win, and had just lost captain Heaphy, run out on 98.
But nerveless new batsman Thomas Kirk carved it straight away to the rope, inflicting Canterbury's first loss in the fourth-round clash.
Amassing 376 runs and two centuries over the week as well as finishing among the top wicket-takers, Canterbury's Matt Boyle was named player of the tournament and Canterbury had some consolation when they won the final T20 against CD at the same venue by 25 runs to end their week on a positive note.
Wellington's Kevin Weerasundera finished as the top-wicket taker with 15, his five-wicket bag (5-23) a standout.
CD Under 19 finished on 21 points, with Canterbury runners-up on 15 and well performed Wellington on 14, the latter two sides both taking four wins from their six matches.
