Campion College claimed their first Under-19 cricket title in 20 years when they defeated Calabar High in the two-day final of urban area ISSA First Global Bank 'A' League Final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

The winners whose last title - the Tappin Cup KO - came in 1989, defeated the boys from Red Hills Road after claiming first innings in their drawn encounter, which throughout the day attracted dozens of drum-beating and flag-waving supporters from both institutions.

Campion, chasing Calabar's modest first innings total of 194, and starting the day on 123-3, achieved what turned out to be their match-winning target for the loss of nine wickets, and were eventually bowled out for 196, this for a two-run lead.

put under early pressure

Batsmen Brandon King and Jon Hemmings both failed to add to their overnight scores of 54 and 24, respectively, and Campion were put under early pressure yesterday. They lost wickets at regular intervals and required a tenth-wicket stand of 10 between number 10 and eleven batsmen Vanwaugh Maragh six not out, and Rolan Manderson-Jones to see them through. Bowling for Calabar, pacer Sanjay Bailey took 3-33 and Rolando McKenzie 2-23.

Calabar, batting a second time, and in search of quick runs, were then dismissed for 117, thus setting Campion an outright victory target of 115. But a resilient Campion did not give a glimmer of hope, and closed at 84-3, with Karl Todd making 36 and Brad Gillings 15 not out.