APJCC Under 13’s: Final vs Oak Flats at Myimbar East Oval.

Sadly, the predicted rain through the week actually showed up, which meant that there was no chance of the final match of the season going ahead. It was a disappointing end to complete a season that had brought such terrific cricket from this wonderful bunch of kids.

However, it was the culmination of a season where this young Albion Park team had taken all before them, going through undefeated to finish as minor premiers, and now Under 13 premiership winners. And it is no more than they deserve. While the focus can sometimes be on individuals, cricket is a team game, and it is the best team that goes on to win matches. Albion Park Under 13's was the best team this season. There were 13 pieces to the puzzle, and they came together to make that puzzle whole. Each of them contributed, there were no passengers. They played for each other, supported each other, and backed each other. There will always be two or three main contributors, but without the other players performing their role in the team then you won't be the best you can be.

I have been extremely fortunate to be involved in not only such a wonderful group of kids, but an amazing group of parents, families and friends, who have all shown up each week to support them. Kids love to play in front of their families, to share their triumphs and great days, and I thank all of you for being their to support these kids. You have been an enormous part of the success of this season.
I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of both Anthony Pickering and Trent Glover in this success. Both of these terrific coaches have been heavily involved in the coaching of many of these kids in previous seasons, and their preparation and coaching is as much to do with their success as anyone else. They should rightly feel that a part of this season is due to their work.
I would also like to thank the members of the Albion Park board, including Dave Ross and Matt Burns who have been so supportive during the season. But especially the tireless efforts of Todd Mitchell over several years in pushing for the success of the junior club. He has been amazing in the time he is available for the junior club, and I hope he feels a due sense of pride in the success of not only the Under 13's but all of the junior teams, as he fully deserves to.
Finally to Helen Peters, as well as Jess, Maddi and even Josh himself, who have put up with an overly obsessive cricket loving husband/father who has spent far too much of the past few years working to this day. They have allowed me to spent countless hours doing something I love without complaining to me about it... much.

The future of the Albion Park Cricket Club is in very safe hands with the kids flowing through, from our semi-final Under 15 team, our A division Under 11 team, to the entire Under 17 squad that are already playing 1st and 2nd Grade cricket, and this Under 13 team. It is a wonderful thing to see the numbers in this club swelling once again, and success at the senior level is coming just as swiftly.

The Peters Curse has been broken. I am now going to drink a thousand beers.