Head coach Darren Lehmann hails his 'heroes' as Steelbacks scrap their way to Blast glory

The head coach was full of pride after seeing his team defend 143 to see off Somerset by 17 runs in the semi-final, and then beat Hampshire Hawks by 14 runs in the final having been bowled out for 169.

There were numerous key moments over the course of the two games.

In the semi-final there were three wickets apiece for David Willey and Ben Sanderson, while James Sales and Calvin Harrison were also outstanding with the ball.

In the final, Ricardo Vasconcelos claimed the man-of-the-match award for his career-best 88 from 59 balls, but again it was the bowlers that excelled.

Sales this time took three for 25, while there were two wickets apiece for Luke Procter and Sanderson, all of which came in the space of the final five balls of a thrilling match as Hawks imploded at the death.

There was also some superb fielding from Northants in both matches, and it was a day to remember for the hundreds of Northants fans who made the trip.

Once again, the Shoe Army made themselves heard and were able to celebrate in style, and Lehmann was delighted with how his team handled a testing day.

"I am very happy for the lads, after all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes," said the Australian.

"In the first game we were a bit under par with the bat, but we showed grit and fight and bowled really well. We kept it tight and we have done that a few times this tournament.

"We knew we had that in us, and you do have to have a bit of luck.

"But the courage and the fight to get back into the game after a sub-par batting performance was really pleasing, and I am really proud of them.

"In the final, I thought our score was on the mark actually.

"We thought it would spin a bit more, and we saw that great ball from Calvin Harrison, and just had to stay in the game and we did that.

"We kept scratching away, kept fighting our way through things, and that is so pleasing.

"It was great for Luke Procter to come back and get those wickets at the end, James Sales was brilliant, David Willey captained brilliantly and Vasco's innings was his best T20 knock.

"We had lots of heroes over the whole tournament, and I am just proud of them as a group of young men, and old men, to achieve something special."

The T20 title is the Steelbacks' third after their wins in 2013 and 2016.

Willey, who was also part of the 2013 winning team, becomes only the fifth Northants captain to lead the team to major silverware.