By Casey OÇonnor
It is seven years since the Warwick Redbacks entered the Warwick Cricket Association Condamine Cup and on Saturday they finally scratched their seven year A Grade Grandfinal itch with an eight wicket win over Maryvale at Warwick headquarters, Slade Oval.
Club spokesman Thye Clarkson said it was nice to get the first title under their belt.
“We are so happy to finally get an A grade premiership,” he said.
“We have been in the comp for seven seasons now, been minor premiers three times and to finally taste grand final success was an unbelievable experience.”
Clarkson said the team worked really hard over the past two seasons and were determined to not let this one slip away.
Despite a stellar season by the team’s elite top order (Samson Lowney (589 runs) Tom Allison (391 runs) and Steven Grogan (401 runs) he said the win was set up by the team’s best fielding and bowling display of the year.
After winning the toss Redbacks restricted Maryvale, who were making their ninth consecutive grand final appearance to 162 from their 50 overs. Good work in the field saw them put down only one chance in the field during the innings.
Despite some excellent batting from Redbacks, Maryvale made them work hard for their premiership title. The winning runs coming in the 38th over.
One of the long serving, senior members of the Bourke Maryvale crew, Kevin Bourke was full of praise for the opposition.
“Redbacks were simply too good on the day and deserved their win,” he said.
With no thoughts of giving up the game, Kevin said he and the Maryvale team will be back chasing another premiership next season.
One of the club’s great supporters, Keith Clarke summed up the feelings of many Redbacks fans in a Facebook post after the game.
“Always has been and always will be great to be a Redback – congratulations guys – so super proud,” he wrote.
“Special mentions to both Tyhe Clarkson and Andrew McConnell for their faith and contributions in those leaner years.
“We certainly could not have reached our current heights without their contributions and belief.”
Thye Clarkson summed up the feeling of the day.
“The highlight of the day for us was after the game and presentation, we all gathered on the pitch and just sat, admired the day and soaked in what was accomplished. “
No surprises in the Reserve Grade Grand final where Colts proved too strong for Wheatvale reeling in the required runs in the 30th over.
Warwick Cricket Association Awards were presented following the game.
Player of the Grand final Samson Lowney (Redbacks)
Player of the year was Tom Allison (Redbacks)
All rounder of the year Samson Lowney (Redbacks)
Fielder of the year Steven Grogan (Redbacks)
Most runs Samson Lowney (Redbacks)
Most wickets – a draw, Matt Kiernan (Colts) and John Cleary (Colts)
Best batting average – Mick Bourke (Maryvale)
Bowling average Jack Duggan.
Rep player of the year – Tom Allison (Redbacks)
Colt of the year- Tom Doherty (Wheatvale)
Life member – Bryan Miller
