They’ve done it! Worcestershire Rapids have been crowned Vitality Blast champions.
Skipper Moeen Ali’s side secured the trophy under lights at Edgbaston amidst emotional scenes after overcoming Sussex Sharks in the final this evening.
The Rapids followed up their 20 run semi-final triumph over Lancashire Lighting with a five wicket success.
Ben Cox added to his half century against the Lightning with another man of the match performance – 46 not out from 27 balls as a 158 target was reached with nine balls to spare.
Pat Brown also bowled superbly in both games and Moeen led from the front with bat and ball in both games.
Victory guaranteed Worcestershire the £280,000 first prize.
But more importantly the County lifted their first major trophy for 11 years since the 2007 Pro 40 League triumph.
They had two survivors from that successful team who celebrated lifting the trophy this evening in Moeen and Daryl Mitchell.
It was a fitting reward for the quality white ball cricket the Rapids have played during the past two seasons.
They topped the North Group in the Royal London One-Day Cup in 2017 and 2018 and repeated that feat this year in the Blast.
It has been a team effort that has helped the Rapids over the finishing line with someone stepping up to the mark when required.
Worcestershire will hope the confidence and belief gained from this trophy success will open the door for more silverware.
Now after celebrating this success they will look to carry that feelgood factor into the final two Specsavers County Championship matches in the battle to stay up.
