IT has taken three attempts in five years, but Tahara has finally beaten St Andrew’s to claim the Hamilton and District Cricket Association B grade premiership for the 2022-23 season.

The Drews got the early win at the toss, electing to bowl first at Dahl Turf, but it was Kieran Barker who was able to blunt the attack, despite losing Harry Armstrong for three at the other end.

Barker combined with Brad Gauci to put on 76 runs for the second wicket, before Gauci nicked off to Damien Logan for 34, soon followed by Barker for 46.

Logan grabbed two more wickets, while Bailey Walsh was brought on in the middle overs and picked up two wickets, as the Drews restricted the Bluecaps to 7-140.

The run chase started slowly, as Josh Evans was unable to get off the mark from 12 balls, beaten for pace by a back-of-a-length delivery to find Hamish Myers at mid-on.

Jordan Van Dooren held up the other end for 55 balls, but could only manage 21, as the Bluecaps bowled well to restrict St Andrew’s to 8-94 from its 40 overs.

Fraser Hill was the other standout with an unbeaten 18 to his name.

Luke Barnes grabbed three wickets for the winners, while Jack Rhook finished with two.

Barker was named Player of the Match for his knock at the top of the order for the Bluecaps.

Tahara captain, Marcus Rhook said it was exciting to finally breakthrough for a premiership win against the Drews.

“Very happy, it is five years in the making,” he said.

“We bowled and batted really well compared to the past few years.

“The experience of losing those few games made today that much more important.

“I wasn’t sure if 140 would be enough, they have a good batting line-up and we bowled really well.

“Kirean Barker got us of to a great start and Luke Barnes bowled really well also.”