The Northamptonshire Steelbacks were tonight crowned champions of the NatWest T20 Blast on a fantastic Finals Day that was a perfect end to their spectacular season. The final match against the Durham Jets came down the last over as the Steelbacks chased a score of 154. It was a great knock from Josh Cobb that pushed the second innings through with 80 off 48 balls.

This was the third time in four years that the Steelbacks have been present at Finals Day and the second victory. Success this time came to a side often labelled as the ‘underdogs’; a side that featured no international players (they faced a Nottinghamshire side in the semi final match that included nine international players and two in the Durham team) and a squad that is the smallest on the circuit. But victory came to those that perhaps have the greatest passion and team spirit. 

Captain Alex Wakely said “I am so proud of every single one of these lads. We have played as a tight team all season and we play for each other. I love this club to bits and I reckon we have one of the best changing room bond in the country. We believed in our ability and we believed in each other to deliver. Special thanks has to go to the fans. Their support has been so instrumental in pushing us over the line in many of our matches but to hear that support at Edgbaston today was incredible and we owe them a big thank you."