Strabane lifted what they hope will be the first of four trophies this month as they beat neighbours Fox Lodge by 6 wickets in the final of the Sperrin Springs Cup.

Batting first Fox Lodge looked set to post a total in the region of 140 when Johnny Robinson, who top-scored with 40 (2 fours, 3 sixes) and Travis Nicholl (29) were both in full flow.

However, from 76 for 3 in the 11th over, they faltered to 117 all out. Usman Azhar produced a Man-of-the-Match spell to claim 3 for 19, while there were two wickets apiece for John Mooney, Andrew Mullen and Ryan Gallagher.

The chase was far from straightforward, as the Red Caps slipped to 32 for 3, and who knows what the outcome would have been had Aaron Gillespie not been dropped early on.

He went on to make a 40-ball 44 (2 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a match defining 4th wicket stand of 57 with Ryan Gallagher (23*).

There were still a few nervous moments for the large home support, before Gallagher and Usman Azhar (16*) sealed the win in the 18th over.

There was a special unveiling of a special bench and seating area in memory of the late Mary Gillespie who sadly died earlier this year, adding poignancy to what was described as a 'carnival atmosphere' by NW President Connie McAllister.

SPERRIN SPRINGS T20 FINAL

Strabane beat Fox Lodge by 6 wickets
Strabane Park, 9 August.
Fox Lodge 117 (19.3 overs; Johnny Robinson 40, Travis Nicholl 29; Usman Azhar 3-19, Ryan Gallagher 2-24, John Mooney 2-25, Andrew Mullen 2-27)
Strabane 121/4 (18 overs; Aaron Gillespie 44, Ryan Gallagher 23*, Usman Azhar 16*)