The Hibo Cricket Club claimed its third Goulburn District Cricket Association First Grade title in as many years today, which is also the second in as many years to have been decided without a final played.
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After last Saturday's first attempt at a grand final between Hibo and the Tatts Stags was washed out, the rain persisted throughout the week and became even heavier today.
This caused the rescheduled final, to be called off, and Hibo was awarded the premiership by virtue of finishing first on the ladder.
"It's a little bit bittersweet," Hibo captain Luke Hayward said.
"You always want to finish up with a game of cricket, and when other things get in the way it's a little bit unfortunate. Especially with all the emotion and effort that went into last week.
"Having to decide the competition based on the weather not allowing us to play a game of cricket is disappointing but that's how it goes sometimes."
The entire season has been rocky for Hibo CC. Due to COVID-19, Hibo Gold and Hibo Green were forced to combine in order to ensure there were enough players to put together a team.
Then, during the Christmas break, former captain Dane Stevenson's short-notice departure left the team without its best batsman and long-time leader.
Hayward, who took up the reins after Stevenson left, said the season was actually quite successful considering all that had taken place.
"At the end of the day, we played some pretty good cricket at points," he said.
"A lot of people said we couldn't win the competition without Stevo, and we didn't win a grand final, but we did play some pretty good cricket on the way, and you don't become minor premiers by playing bad cricket."
The high level of cricket played by Hibo throughout the year was, Hayward said, in no small part due to the performance of some of the youngsters in the side.
Teenaged players such as Logan Watts, Cameron Herd, and Jack McEntee all played important roles throughout the season, and Hayward looks forward to seeing their skills progress in years to come.
"You are relying on 15, 16-year-old kids in a men's game of cricket, and if you win, they've clearly done something to impact that result," he said.
"It's really pleasing to see the level of cricket they're putting through on a weekly basis. It's impressive to see how far they've come."
Along with the premiership winners, the GDCA also announced the award winners for 2020/21:
- Batting (First and Second Grade): Simon Fitzsimmons, 211 runs at 52.75
- Bowling (First and Second Grade): Shane Munroe, 15 wickets at 9.93
- Champion Player (First Grade): Dane Stevenson, 52.90 points
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