Gonville & Caius are the Men’s Cricket Cuppers champions for the first time in 10 years after two victories which went down to the final ball on Thursday at Fenner’s.

Caius beat Downing by four wickets in the semi-final of the competition, which has a Twenty20 format, on Thursday morning and claimed a two-run win over St Edmund’s in the final later in the day to emulate the 2013 Cuppers-winning side.

Captain Rajapriyian Murugaiyan said: “It was a special end to the season for us with two nail-biting finishes.

“As a team, we are proud to bring Cuppers back to Caius after 10 years and we came up against some fantastic teams on the way.

“There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes as captain, but ultimately my role was to get the best out of the team, and it has been a pleasure to lead these boys, as we are so closely-knit on and off the field.”

The semi-final saw Caius chase their 150-run target, with the winning runs coming when Kailen Patel found the boundary off the final ball.

After Ben Adam, Patel and Ethan Sorrell each took two wickets as Downing set 149 for six, Caius set about their chase.

Rohan Odedra struck 27 in a half-century partnership with Alex Mair, who delighted onlookers with 76 runs from 56 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes, before he was run out. Patel’s nine off five balls at the end proved decisive.

Caius batted first in the final against St Edmund’s, with Samir Sardana (31) and Odedra (22) opening with a 56-run partnership. Mair hit 26 at more than a run a ball and Patel smashed two sixes in his 35 off 21 balls as Caius posted a 162-run target.

St Edmund’s opener Fergus Hughes struck 54 in reply, but Caius’ bowlers stuck to their combined task and

Rehan Gamage finished with two wickets, while Patel, Adam, Sorrell and Sardana each claimed one.

Murugaiyan added: “We would like to thank the College for their continued support with equipment and facilities for training, as well as Mark Ward, our groundsman.

“Our team revolves around a supportive culture, where we encourage and back each other and all of us have had important contributions throughout our journey playing Cuppers and friendlies this year.

“I also urge anybody with an interest in playing cricket to come along and join us as we look forward to rebuilding for the next season.”