The Goonellabah Workers Sports LJ Hooker League side are the 2022/23 champions after coming from behind to defeat Cudgen at Oakes Oval.

Resuming on Sunday, 34 runs behind the Cudgen first innings total, the Goonellabah batting order worked hard to establish a solid and defendable total to give the bowling attack something to work with.

It was the top order that managed to put together partnerships and establish what proved to be a winning total.

Sam McLean (17) and Kaleb Armstrong (11) resumed on 0/4 and managed to put together solid start before Rory McLean came to the crease and added 36.

Kale Hare was the hero with the bat in the second innings with 60 off just 65 balls including a well struck six.

Alec Watson was able to add 16 at the tail to compile a total of 168, a lead of 140 off 45.3 overs.

Josh Healy and Reece Gregor opened the bowling and struck early, taking regular wickets in the Cudgen top order.

Gregor eventually finishing with 5/33 off 11.2 overs and Healy with 2/18 off 8 tight overs.

Sam McLean took 2/39 and Damien Santin took the other wicket with 1/3 off 4 overs.

Goonellabah bowled Cudgen out for 97 in the 37th over, completing a 43 run win and exacting revenge on last years result, when the team when down in the 2021/22 decider to Cudgen.

The team has been a picture of consistency throughout the season and deserve the victory and the celebrations that lay ahead after only moving to the top league last season.

Coach Graeme Armstrong has put together a strong side and worked hard for the success all season.