Sudbrook enjoy cup glory (From Free Press Series)

Sudbrook enjoy cup glory

SUDBROOK'S Lord's Cup-winning captain Mark O'Leary could not be any prouder of his young side. after the Deepweir men ended an average season with a gutsy win over Usk in the final on Sunday.

The experienced batsman, who has enjoyed a terrific season at the crease in the cup competition, told the Free Press the result means everything to them.

"After the mid season lows, this cup victory and the win against Sully cap a great turn-around. I'm very proud of these youngsters, it's great to see them coming through.

"Considering we had a bit of a mid-season crisis, we have come on extremely well. It's just a shame the season has come to an end," buzzed O'Leary.

Sudbrook made it a double winning weekend the day before, with a hard-fought win against league champions Sully.

"That was a fantastic win for us. Sully are top of the table and we had them biting their nails, hoping other results would go their way. They did in the end, but we put on a great display to beat them on a wet wicket.

"It was nice to get a convincing win against them in our final league game. It should take us through with some sort of confidence to next season. The game was full of tension, but the boys played really well and our hard work really did pay off," said O'Leary.

Speaking on Sunday's electric cup win, he did admit to thoughts that it just might not be their day.

"We scored 159, which I wasn't really happy with because I didn't think it would be enough against a superb Usk team full of mostly first team players.

"We had two youngsters opening the bowling for us: Robert Simmons, who's only 16, and John Lewis. They didn't take any wickets, but bowled really solidly. Gordon Voke and Dean Wallace then came in and did well. I then put in two youngsters again - Kel Stevens and Mike Shaw, a Wales U16 cap - and they did brilliantly.

"Mike took three in one over, which we really needed and we ended up winning quite easily at the end. It was a great display from everyone."

After the inconsistency of earlier in the season, Sudbrook have turned their game and results around thanks to team resolve and determination.

And after the weekend's cup triumph, you would think the squad would be looking forward to a long hard rest. Not according to O'Leary.

"We've got a few friendlies left, but then all eyes are on the six-a-side indoor season in January. We're also hoping to go to Vienna for the European Indoor Club Championships too, next March. That would be an amazing experience for the squad."

The Free Press would like to congratulate all the squad for Sunday's great cup win.