MICHAEL Smith’s Allansford was a juggernaut on a mission.
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Inspired by the passing of club stalwart Jesse Adams, Smith’s men rose to score an emotional division two flag from Brierly-Christ Church on Sunday.
Smith revealed Adams “wasn’t far from our thoughts” as Allansford lifted to claim the flag.
“We had a good night on Thursday night – training was a bit flat, but the camaraderie was amazing,” he said.
“We had a lot of past players come out to the club just to remember ‘Flipper’. I think that definitely lifted our spirits.
“He carried us through in the final, that’s for sure.”
The Gators skipper said he had a good mix of players in his side after several young stars emerged mid-season.
“You’ve got Simon Rea, who is a legend of the competition, you’ve got Slugger (Sam McCluggage) who has won a cricketer of the year and Denver (Artz) who is a great cricketer and a competitive beast,” Smith said.
“You mix that with these young blokes and they’re learning off some those older fellas. It’s vice-versa too – the younger blokes’ enthusiasm lifts everyone.
“Just watching them get better is a nice thing to see.”
Smith said smart recruiting in division one had filtered through the ranks and had benefited his side.
“Recruiting guys who are top-grade players filters right through,” he said.
“It wasn’t only us – the threes had their best season in about five years too.
“It strengthens the club right through.”
