Having missed out in the past two years, Luke Borg finally got the chance to be part of a Rivergum premiership side.
Two years ago, he was in the mix for selection but missed out and last year he was 12th man.
This year, Borg hit the winning runs against North Brunswick/Rosebank to continue the Rivergum fairytale of a third successive North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield premiership.
“To hit the winning runs and be out there with the captain at the end of the game was amazing,” Borg said during post-match celebrations.
“It’s everything I’ve worked for. I’ve had to watch on the sidelines and I’ve still been a part of it, but nothing beats this.”
Borg’s grand final dream started with a screamer of a catch in the outfield on day one. Borg said the dismissal of Tony Tenuta was an important part of the game. “I felt he was their best batsman.”
Borg had a few nervous moments on day two while waiting to bat. He joined Kookas skipper Gary Bell at the crease when their side was just six runs short of North Brunswick/Rosebank.
“I was in my pads for about 15 overs waiting to come in – that was the worst part,” he said. “Once I was out there, I was pretty relaxed.
Bell was full of praise for his partner. “He’s only 22 or 23,” Bell said. “He missed out on the grand final two years ago when he thought he could have probably got in.
“I told him he had to work his butt off … he didn’t quite do enough and missed out again [last season] and was 12th man. This year he hasn’t set the world on fire, but he deserved his spot. In the semi-final, he put on 70 with me … he didn’t do much at the end here, but he took a match-winning catch yesterday that got rid of their best bat.”
Bell said Borg would treasure the moment of hitting the winning runs forever.
“It’s great for him. I was pretty happy for him to hit the runs and was happy to be with him on the field. He’ll have a good celebration the next couple of days. It’ll be something he’ll remember for ever.”
Matthew Kiely also played in his first premiership with the club after returning to Rivergum from Premier Cricket.
