Ben Patterson may have returned to Newtown for just the one season, but he's adamant the values and programs instilled in that time means the club is now well-placed to create an era of success.
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Patterson, who spent time with the Tigers as a junior, made his way back to the club for the 2018/19 season after previously playing in Sydney and then Rugby in his return to Dubbo.
The leading all-rounder was brought to Newtown to be a club coach as well as a key player, and after seeing the Tigers claim a first RSL-Whitney Cup premiership in 16 years on Sunday he was a satisfied man.
"It's been pretty sweet. The guys have been truly up and around me and made me fell very welcome when I came back to Newtown," he said.
"But it's a sweet feeling knowing I'll be leaving them with them knowing they have the skills to produce vital performances in vital games."
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The 2018/19 season has been a massive one for Patterson and is set to be his last in the region, as he has linked with Campbelltown for next summer.
As well as taking on extra responsibility at Newtown this campaign, he represented Western Zone and his efforts in the baggy blue saw him earn a call-up to the NSW Country side.
He then went one step better and earned the prestigious honour of being named in the Australian Country merit side after being one of the Bush Blues best during a run to the national title.
All that came after he spent the previous off-season in Sweden, coaching and helping develop the game there.
I was setting out to win the Whitney Cup and the McDonald's Megahit.
- Newtown's Ben Patterson
"I said when I got back from Sweden I was setting out to win the Whitney Cup and the McDonald's Megahit (Twenty20 competition) and I've achieved both," Patterson said.
"I set goals and did what I wanted to do, so I'm happy with my performances and the team's."
As well as that, Patterson picked up a swag of awards at the Dubbo District Cricket Association presentation night on Friday, including the major Dubbo Cricketer of the Year.
In terms of the weekend's decider, Patterson was highly effective without being dominant.
After Newtown captain Mat Skinner won the toss and opted to bowl, it was up to Patterson and Trent Smith to deliver.
The opening bowling pair did so in style, combining to reduce RSL-Colts to a staggering 5/19 in 13 overs.
Smith took three wickets, including the big ones of Brad Cox and Tom Atlee, while Patterson finished with 2/32 from 14 overs.
Colts scrambled to 113 after the opening blow but the damage had been done.
Patterson was then on hand on Sunday to hit the winning runs and secure a dominant six-wicket win.
"I didn't have to do much in this final, which was a beauty. Everyone chipped in and did their part," he said, before talking about his role with the ball.
"My job was to look scary and try to create pressure and get the batsmen to attack everyone else. That seemed to pay dividends and the wet deck may have helped."
While Patterson hit the winning runs, it was Wayne Dunlop who did the bulk of the work in the chase.
A veteran who's spent 17 years at the club, Dunlop finished unbeaten on 58 in the win.
"We had a chat and I wanted him to hit the winning runs and win his first ever RSL-Whitney Cup final," Patterson said.
"I wanted him to do it but he was just happy to get it over with the take the cup. He's been magnificent all season."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
