The Horowhenua-Kāpiti Bears cricket team has made history by winning the Cave Cup for the first time, after a nail-biting final against Taranaki ended in a dramatic super over.
With scores tied after 50 overs, the match was forced into a sudden-death decider. All-rounder Kelsey Fahey rose to the occasion, smashing 18 runs off the super over to secure victory for the Bears at Palmerston North’s Fitzherbert Park.
Fahey, who faced all six balls, began cautiously with a dot but quickly unleashed his power, hitting two boundaries and a towering six that sailed beyond the trees. His batting partner, Bailey Te Tomo, watched from the other end as Fahey dominated the over.
The pressure then shifted to Bears bowler Prabodha Arthavidu Ellawala Liyanage, known as “Arthur,” who was tasked with defending their total. After a tight start, Taranaki’s Dean Robinson struck a six to keep the contest alive, but a spectacular diving catch from Te Tomo and sharp fielding from Lockie Spring sealed the Bears’ historic win.
Bears manager Gary O’Brien says the team’s consistency over the three-day tournament earned them the title. “The boys played their hearts out and deserved this moment,” he says.
Taranaki batted first in the final, posting 269 in their 50 overs, with standout contributions from Josh Borrell (43), Shay Smith (73), and Jordan Gard (33). The Bears’ best bowlers were Andre Halbert (4-65), Keegan MacLauchlan (2-22), and Charlie Ferguson (2-34).
In response, the Bears’ chase was steady but saw regular wickets falling. Opener Te Tomo made a brisk 31, but it was Arthavidu’s composed 72 off 88 balls that held the innings together. With the run rate climbing, contributions from Tristan Cleote (33), MacLauchlan (20), and Carter Andrews (12) proved crucial in levelling the scores.
Fahey’s heroics in the tournament, including scores of 68 against Hawke’s Bay and 51 off 33 against Marlborough, have caught the attention of Central Districts selectors.
O’Brien believes the future looks bright for the team, particularly with young talents like Ferguson and Cleote stepping up. “There’s a lot of promise here,” he says.
The victory is a significant achievement for the Bears and their supporters, marking a historic first in Cave Cup and Chapple Cup competitions.
“It’s a proud moment for the club and the region,” O’Brien says.