The 2025 NSW Community Cup finals day on January 19 showcased the best of senior community club cricket in NSW with a Grand Final that came down to the wire, forging a victory for Wollongong District Cricket Club as the undefeated back-to-back champions of the first two editions of the Cup.
This was the second year of Cricket NSW’s exciting T20 knockout competition for senior cricket clubs across the state, with both metro and country clubs vying for the coveted NSW Community Cup. Like last year, the competition followed a triple header format on finals day, the two semi-finals leading into the Grand Final between Wollongong and Lindfield DCC.
Wollongong’s Toby Dodds was named Player of the Final as his quickfire 50 off 30 balls steered Wollongong to a total of 136/6. They did not defend their total with ease, though, with Lindfield steadily inching towards the total throughout their innings until the penultimate ball of the match when Lindfield needed 5 off two to win but Wollongong took a crucial wicket to stem the flow and won by three runs.
Earlier in the day, in the first of the two semi-finals, Lindfield defeated returning semi-finalists Epping Bulls, bowling the latter out for 83 runs, with the help of Lindfield’s Pip Williams’ stellar 4/8 in 1.4 overs. Lindfield scored 104/6 in their innings earlier.
In the second semi-final, Wollongong faced The Entrance DCC, who put up a fight with a big total of 139/8 on the board, but the reigning champions answered with a knock of 143/6.
While the semi-finals were streamed on Cricket NSW’s YouTube channel, the Grand Final, for the first time, was broadcast live on Kayo Freebies, thanks to FrogBox, who provided an enhanced production with multiple cameras and commentary.
Martin Gleeson, Chief Community Cricket Officer, Cricket NSW, said:
“Our congratulations to Wollongong District Cricket Club for winning this edition of the NSW Community Cup.
“The quality of cricket in both the semi-finals and Grand Final was a great showcase for the cricket community and all four clubs rose to the occasion, playing on the first-class wicket and outfield at Cricket Central.
“Wollongong were highly energetic in the field and held their nerve in both their finals with key batting and bowling contributions at crucial stages taking them across the line.
“This has been a great tournament. We are heartened by the positive feedback from participating clubs with tough and competitive cricket being the hallmark.
“We are looking forward to the Cup being an important event on community cricket calendars every season.”