By Brad Kingsbury
KILCUNDABASS president Paul Golby was exhilarated and relieved after the final Nyora wicket fell on Sunday, signalling his club’s first WGCA premiership win.
The South Gippsland side finally celebrated victory after making the Bgrade finals, having failed to go all the way in the previous four seasons. Golby reserved special praise for the bowlers led by veteran paceman Paul Cornelius.
“I don’t know what to feel it’s a great feeling. These blokes have worked hard for this and deserve it,” he said.
“Our bowlers bowled us into the finals. They were the reason we beat Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll (in the semifinal) and they did it again today. They were so good.”
Golby said the underdog tag was not an issue because the players always thought they could win.
“When we found out we were playing Nar Nar Goon in the semifinal we had a chat and said that there was no reason we couldn’t beat them and make the grand final,” he said.
“The players believed that and went out and did it.
“That confidence has remained. We’re an experienced group and the players backed one another all the way.”
Golby said that he had enjoyed the season and was keen to stay on and lead KilcundaBass into Agrade competition for the first time.
He said that there was certainly room for some new blood in the senior team, however with the batting steady and improving during the year, two or three recruits would probably be all that was required.
“We probably need another pace bowler to help out. Paul Matthews has got plenty of years left in him and we’ve got a couple of handy spinners who can jump up too,” he said.
“We’ve got a couple of young blokes coming through the club who may be up to the mark next year, so we’re not far away already.
“I’m hoping that there might be some interest from players in surrounding leagues who like playing Agrade cricket, but we’ll wait and see.”