The journey began in Truro. It ended with a national title.
Cornwall Super 9s, a side still in just its third competitive season, have been crowned national disability champions for the first time after a ruthless display on finals day in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Already South West champions for the second year running, Cornwall arrived at the national finals with momentum but without the favourites’ tag. That didn’t last long.
They first swept past Isle of Wight in the semi-final to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece, then produced a statement performance against Middlesex when it mattered most.
Batting first in the final, Cornwall piled up 176 for 8 from their 30 overs, a total that heaped pressure on their opponents and gave their bowlers a platform to attack. The response from Middlesex never really got going. Cornwall’s attack tore through the chase, skittling them for just 79 to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
Head coach Dan Tonkin could barely hide his delight at what his players had achieved, calling it a “fantastic achievement” and admitting he was “unbelievably proud” to see their hard work rewarded.
They had gone into the final as underdogs. They never felt like it.
“Although we went in as underdogs in the final we always believed in ourselves,” Tonkin said. That belief showed in every over, every partnership, every wicket celebration.
“We got what we deserved. We are a tight knit group, we aren't just cricketers we are friends. We came together in the final and absolutely smashed it.”
This is not the end of the story for Cornwall Super 9s. Tonkin sees this breakthrough as the start of something bigger, describing the national championship as a “stepping stone” for a team hungry to grow.
From regional contenders to champions of the country in three short seasons, Cornwall have set their own bar. The question now is how far this tight-knit group of friends can push it.
