After losing their opener to the Highlands on November 4, Shoalhaven faced off against Illawarra and South Coast in Twenty20 fixtures – to determine the winner of this year’s competition.

The team, coach by Ulladulla United’s Aaron Wester, opened the day against Illawarra – where skipper Max Lans won the toss and elected to bat.

Behind 28 from John Ulrick, 14 not out from Justin Rumble and 10 each from Jhie Cushan and John Bowern, the hosts posted 9/88 from their 20 overs.

Nathan Trebel was Illawarra’s best with the ball, taking 3/12.

But Shoalhaven’s modest total proved not enough, as Illawarra reached 4/91 in the 17^th over – thanks to Joshua Debbes (37 not out) and Tyler Warrington (28).

Skipper Lans (2/22), Cushan (1/6) and Rumble (1/22) were Shoalhaven’s best with the white ball.

Wester’s side didn’t have long to dwell on the loss, as they returned to the field soon after against South Coast – who were fresh off a loss to Highlands (4/186 to 139).

Once again, at Berry, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first.

This time around, the batsmen came to play.

Leading with way with the willow was opener Ryan Henry (60 not), Lans (21), Cushan (15) and Rhys Burinaga (12) – helping Wester’s troops post 5/136 from their 20 overs.

South Coast’s wicket takers were Jake Cannan (1/10), Jacob Hudson (1/16), Thomas Norris (1/18), James Bryant (1/20) and Jackson Burns (1/22).

In reply, tight bowling by Shoalhaven’s Chaise Boudling (3/9), Burinaga (2/10) and Cushan (2/15) help restrict the visitors to 83 – to secure the hosts their first win of the campaign.

Other wicket takers for Shoalhaven were Jacob Higgins (1/5), Christian Sargood (1/6) and Sebastian Jeffrey (1/6) – while Bryant (21) and Colin Heapy (20) top scored for South Coast.

This win saw Shoalhaven finish third on the ladder, behind eventual winners Highlands, who defeated second-placed Illawarra (8/167 to 2/156) on Sunday to claim the Jeffrey Cup.