Newcastle Hunters win T10 SMASH tournament off grand final hero Joseph's last-ball six | photos

Wyong Warriors, often the Hunters’ rivals in tournament title-deciding matches, had set 124 in their 10 overs off the back of an impressive 39 for the tournament’s top batsman, Midhun Thomas.

The Hunters’ top order was firing on all cylinders as they set about their task, and in the final over the host team needed just 5 runs to triumph.

Two balls from the Warriors resulted in two wickets and the Hunters were rocked, but a final hero-effort from Jeevan Joseph to shoot a rocketing six into the stands put the Hunters over the top.

It was a fitting farewell for Joseph, who is Melbourne-bound.

“We wish all the very best to Jeevan [Joseph], our last ball hero,” captain Aijo Issac said upon lifting the cup.

“Being the home team, there was a bit of pressure on the boys to perform in front of the home crowd, but they stood up to the occasion.”

In the group matches earlier in the tournament, Newcastle Hunters and Wyong Warriors emerged as the top two teams from Pool A, while Tamworth Country Boys and Gong Tuskers topped Pool B.

The Hunters made their way to the final after downing the Country Boys by 8 wickets, while the Warriors booked their ticket to the decider by 17 runs against the Tuskers.

The T10 tournament win continues the Hunters’ “great run”, captain Issac said.

“The team has already claimed three major trophies, and we are eyeing more very soon.”