“I told the boys, it doesn’t matter how you played in the previous games, if you can perform in a final and you win, that’s all that matters.”
For Lorenzo Ingram, his own words rang true last weekend … he overcame personal tragedy to help steer Plenty Valley to the Victorian Sub-district cricket Association north-west premiership that has alluded the club for the past two seasons.
Picture gallery: Roxburgh Park Broadmeadow v Plenty Valley
Related: Plenty Valley beats Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows
Ingram would have been forgiven for not playing. The West Indian’s father died during the week leading up to the game and Ingram is not long back from Holland where he went after his wife became sick.
Despite his circumstances, Ingram took 5-24 and made 32 to be named man-of-the-match, his second such honour, the first was in a grand final against Oakleigh in 2012-13.
“Over the past few days, it has been emotional, not just the past few days but maybe the last month,” Ingram said after the game.
“I went back to Holland and then came back here and it has been pretty tough.
“The guys here support me well and are like my second family. I’m very happy.”
Bats coach Michael Sheedy called Ingram one of his trump cards, along with 42-year-old Sean Ayres. Ayres also played a big role, taking 4-24.
“Ayres at 42 is remarkable, while Ingram is the ultimate professional.”
“Ingram has been at the club five years and he finally has a premiership.”
Sheedy said he hoped both players would return next season.
“I think most of the group will be back having won the flag.
I think now, with premier [cricket possible promotion] put aside, he’s [Ayres] likely to go on,” Sheedy said.
“He’s a four-time premiership player and has the chance to be a five-time premiership player, which I don’t think too many guys have done in Subbies.
“Lorenzo and his family situation is
one we will have to wait and see about. He has finally got what he needed after five years with us, which is a flag, and we hope he returns.
“We finished third in the club championship and would love to get back to being the top club in the competition,” Sheedy said.
