When you look at the final result it’s easy to make a judgement about what happened in the weekend’s RSL-Pinnington Cup grand final.
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Colts, the three-time defending premiers with a core group which has been there for each of those victories, used all its experience to grind down a young CYMS side and claim the title.
That’s how it looks and to a point it’s right.
But it wasn’t one of the stalwarts who made the biggest impact on Sunday when Colts was defending its day one total of 155.
“At drinks they (CYMS) were about 2/50 and there wasn’t a whole lot happening but the guy who changed the game for us was young Rhys Beauchamp,” victorious captain Josh Smith said.
“He got a couple of wickets, he bowled quick and at 16 years old he really opened it up for us.”
Beuchamp knocked over promising youngsters Nathan Hawke (9) and Connor Watts (18) and by that stage CYMS was reduced to 6/103.
With the overs ticking by and scoreboard pressure coming in to play, Sam Campbell came back into the attack and knocked over the CYMS tail to clinch a fourth straight second grade title.
“Not until that final wicket,” Smith said of when he relaxed.
“Scoreboard pressure came into play but they’re a good side and bat deep so I never felt safe.
“Sam bowled a great spell at the end. He sealed the deal. He and Rhys were outstanding.”
On Saturday, Smith led his side’s effort with the bat.
The skipper opened the innings after winning the toss and his half century led his side to 155.
He finished with 52 but the ever impressive CYMS attack never allowed any other batsman to get away.
James ‘Busta’ Nelson took 3/48 from 15 while fellow opener Call Braithwaite bowled eight maidens and finished with 2/20 from 17.
Left-arm seamer Sam Knaggs was another standout, taking 3/25 from 13.4 while the fourth of the teenage seamers, Lochie Endacott, claimed 2/37.
“They bowled so well on Saturday. It was so tight and consistent,” Smith said.
CYMS resumed at 0/3 on Sunday after getting through three overs on day one but Luke Ensor (3) fell early to Campbell.
Heath Larance made 36 and it was a big moment when the ever reliable Geoff Wheeler (2/12 from 13) removed him.
Endacott made 20 late on but Campbell returned and led Colts to another title.
“We’re all proud of it and it’s been pretty much the same core group all the way through,” Smith said.
Incredibly, Smith has now won 10 straight grand finals for Colts in first and second grade.
He was part of the Colts RSL-Whitney Cyp dynasty before departing for university and since returning he has been part of all four second grade wins.
And while he and his side went on to celebrate Sunday night, he had plenty of praise for the defeated Cougars.
“They’ve had a great season and with so many young blokes they’re going to be right up there again for the next five years or more,” he said.
“There’s a lot in that 16 to 22 years of age range and I think that will filter through to the first grade side as well.”