Kookaburras skipper Cameron Milne was unwavering throughout the season in his conviction that on their day his side can beat anyone.
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On the weekend they justified his certitude upsetting minor premiers Albion to claim their first JVJ McAdam Cup in five seasons.
Milne was one of the chief protagonists of the drought-breaking win claiming six wickets as they dismissed Albion for 120 in reply to their 143.
Shayne Riordan also chimed in with four wickets in what was a vintage bowling performance from the two stalwarts.
"I'm dead proud of my boys," Milne said, adding that at the start of the year no-one gave them a chance.
The seasoned campaigner has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his career but described Sunday's triumph as "exceptional".
"This is one of the special ones," he said.
Only two seasons ago they were in tatters with a host of players either moving on or retiring.
Milne admitted he was going to be one of them, but after learning of their plight decided to stay around and try and help rebuild the club.
"We found the blokes that no other club really wanted and were willing to do the work," he said.
"Probably the most special part about this group is they haven't dropped their heads all year. We haven't lost outright and were second in the one-day comp.
"They've learnt to build that resilience."
After knocking off Court House in the preliminary final the previous week, Kookaburras went into the decider confident and quickly built momentum through Riordan (35) and Paddy Paul (45), the openers putting on 67 for the first wicket.
But they weren't really able to capitalise on the strong start as James Mack (5-28) tore through them.
"I thought we were probably 50 short," Milne said.
"(But) I knew 143 would be hard with our bowling attack. We bowl stump to stump."
He spoke about their philosophy to try and make it tough for the batsmen.
Albion openers Brad Cady (24) and Zach Martin (24) though made a good dent in the run chase on Saturday to have them in a strong position at 2-49 overnight.
Play was delayed for two-and-a-half hours on Sunday, and Albion were quickly wishing it didn't go ahead as Milne and Riordan ripped their title hopes apart.
At one stage they lost 5-11 and looked like they might not even make it to drinks.
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But skipper Brad Jenkinson batted superbly and with Luke Ryan providing dogged support, almost dragged Albion out of the mire.
They toiled for over an hour before Jenkinson on 39 off 99, skied one to Paul, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Kookaburras players and supporters.
Riordan fittingly took the final wicket capping off a man of the match performance.
As the rain threatened to move in and Albion edged closer to the runs, Milne had brought him back on a few overs earlier.
"Bradley (Jenkinson) to his credit batted very well," he said.
First grade's win completed a rare and special double after the second grade grand final, which was played as a one-dayer, was washed out on Sunday after the wicket was deemed unsafe to play on.
As minor premiers Kookaburras were crowned champions.
It's the first time they've held the silverware for six seasons and is good reward for the way they played throughout the season captain Dave Partridge said.
They only lost one game.
"We've got a lot of young boys," Partridge said.
"Beau Coward with his batting this year has been outstanding."
Batting at the top of the order he scored 440 runs for the season - including his maiden century - at an average of 48.9.
"It wasn't just him, it was the whole team," he said singling out the likes of Myles Conn, Lachlan Straney and Jayden Winsor.