Not only did the Cats captain score a century as they chased down South Wagga's total of 9-267 with seven wickets to spare, but he took three crucial wickets to limit the damage at McPherson Oval on Saturday.

The Cats defied recent history, becoming the first team to take out the premiership after winning the major semi-final in nine seasons as they reversed last year's grand final result.

Thompson thought there were doubt in the dressing room as Jeremy Rowe run riot for the minor premiers scoring 156 as South Wagga set an imposing total but he was thrilled with how the stood up with the title on the line.

Thompson (102) and Ben Turner (55) put on 127 for the first wicket in a bold display on day two.

Looking to change their approach after struggling to chase down 180 in the first semi-final, Thompson thought the plan worked to perfection.

"I think it is unheard," Thompson said.

"To chase 267 I'm just super proud of this group.

"It is a colossal effort."

Rowe put South Wagga in a great position as he blasted through the Cats pace options as part of a 124-run second wicket stand with Brayden Ambler (49).

He was the anchor of the Blues innings before Thompson (3-103) got his man after four hours at the crease trying to accelerate late.

Thompson was thrilled with the role he and Rob Nicoll (4-73) played to peg South Wagga back as they bowled 55 of the 80 overs between themselves.

"I think there were a few demons in the shed and I didn't know if 267 was get-able and there was a lot of questions being asked whether we did the right thing by bowling spin for as many overs as we did but it felt that was the best option at the time and it paid dividends," he said.

"I don't think they capitalised on us enough, they got away in the last four overs, but in the middle overs Robbie and myself were fantastic."

Jon Nicoll then helped finish the chase, with the six-time Brian Lawrence Medal winner finishing unbeaten on 75.

Thompson was a fitting winner of the first Anthony Baker Medal after the man of the match award was renamed in honour of the late Wagga cricketing legend.

The 26-year-old played against Baker in his early years in first grade and was touched by the award.

"It's a reward for effort and I'm proud of what I've done," Thompson said.

He is also excited for what is to come for the Cats with four teenagers in the side and plenty knocking on the door in second grade.

"There are so many kids in this team and our second grade is full of juniors so we literally are five years away from our best cricket," Thompson said.

"We could really dominate the comp in five years so it is really great to steal one this.

"We have come from nowhere to be honest so I'm super proud of the group."

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