A CAPACITY crowd of 10,372 enthusiastic supporters witnessed an exciting Big Bash encounter between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat at C.ex Coffs International Stadium on January 3.

Despite the Sixers posting 8-141 from 20 overs, the match concluded with a narrow 3-run victory for the Brisbane Heat under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system, reaching 4-104 in 14.3 overs after the game was finally abandoned due to the rain.

Josh Phillippe made an impressive start for the Sixers, contributing 41 runs and captivating the partisan crowd with two massive sixes and two fours.

However, the momentum shifted when Phillippe was caught by Sam Billings off a delivery from Paul Walter, the player of the match.

Sixers captain Moises Henriques provided stability but was eventually run out after accumulating 22 runs, leaving the Sydney side with a total of 141 for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

The Heat were at 4-80 after 12 overs when rain interrupted play.

Following a loss of three overs, the revised target became 44 off five overs.

Paul Walter, the big-hitting English all-rounder, proved instrumental in securing victory for the Heat.

He smashed a colossal legside six off Tom Curran, the first ball after the break, and then hit two fours in the first three balls of the Power Surge over, guiding the Heat to a score of 4-104.

Despite the disappointment for the predominantly Sixers crowd, both due to the result and the weather, the enthusiasm of the vocal Coffs Coast spectators remained undiminished.

Fans sang songs, howled and cheered every wicket and boundary, embracing the carnival atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos presented the match ball to the Brisbane Heat bowlers, and juniors from the Northern District Rebels entertained the crowd at halftime, securing a $1,000 prize for the Woolgoolga club.

Twenty junior cricketers from the North Coast had the unique opportunity to soak in the match atmosphere, including autographs from the players, during the interval after the first innings.

NSW Club and Competition Specialist Steve Meakins, still an active participant for Diggers Cricket Club Coffs Harbour, praised the event as a resounding success.

“The Big Bash not only brings the cricket community together, but it is a true entertainment spectacle for everyone,” he said.

“The community has embraced the Sixers as their team, and the ground was surrounded by magenta.

“It’s a massive boost for junior cricketers as they get to see the players they watch on TV and experience first-hand cricket at the elite level.

“The music and the format of the game make it appealing to everyone, and there was a terrific atmosphere at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, we are already looking forward to the next event.”

By David WIGLEY