Sunday, September 16th, 2018

County Ceo: “Amazing Effort” To Lift First Blast Title

Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley praised an “amazing effort” from the Rapids players in securing a first Vitality Blast title.

The Rapids are still on cloud nine after their superb double triumph on finals day against Lancashire Lightning and Sussex Sharks.

Outstanding individual efforts from Ben Cox, Moeen Ali and Pat Brown were the head-line making performances.

But, as has been the case all summer, many people chipped in with vital wickets, runs, catches or a run-saving piece of fielding.

Matt Rawnsley said: “What does this mean to Worcestershire? It is fantastic. Obviously to get to this point, to win the semi-final and final, is amazing recognition for where we are right now as a club.

“The players showed great composure? That is experience and a bit more maturity coming through. That’s why probably we’ve not got to this point over the last few years.

“A few of the guys have stepped up. We knew we were going to be up against it with being an overseas player short.

“For the lads to step up and basically take us over the line is amazing. That is a great effort from them.

“On Pat Brown’s performance? He is a rising start, there is no doubt about that. His performance in isolation is fantastic but he couldn’t do what he does without the support of the other 10 guys on the field.

“What we are trying to do at Worcestershire at the moment is breed an atmosphere that we are together.

“There are 11 guys on the field, we all need to contribute, and that means each individual can play with the freedom they need to play with, either with bat or with ball.

“Everyone does a bit. Coxy (Ben Cox) has done it twice. That’s the ups and downs of the sport. He was left out of the Championship side last week and here he is, two man of the match performances on the bounce and has lifted the trophy with the team.

“That’s great. That’s exactly what professionalism is about, to take the highs and the lows. He is a true professional and to get us over the line is great.”

“We will enjoy it and then we’ve got a job to do in the next two weeks to stay in Division One (of the County Championship).”