The Joint Gingins/GRYCC U11 triumph at the Zuoz tournament was a testament to their hard-work, togetherness, and enjoyment of the game.

A team that has developed over the past year came of age in a win that saw them overcome huge disappointment on Saturday evening - a loss against Basel that was avenged on Sunday in clinical fashion.

The tone for the tournament was set first thing on Saturday morning when the team arrived at the ground early, using the time to warm up and then take to the field against Zurich alert and ready. A match that has produced tension and close results in the past saw Gingins/GRYCC restrict Zurich to 60/7 and then reach the target with ease with more than 5 overs to spare. The opening attack of Anhad and Samanyu set the tone for all the games to follow by taking early wickets and putting the opposition under immediate pressure.

Confidence was high following the long wait for the evening match against Basel but not overly so. A recent defeat had seen their opposition bowl with precision and run excellently when batting, so it was clear the team from the West would have to maintain their good start.

Tight bowling, including an excellent over from Ananya, restricted Basel to 72 but Gingins/GRYCC’s response faltered as Basel opted to bowl their best bowlers in a long opening spell that saw several batters out to cross-bat shots. All seemed lost but a heroic run chase led by Jhonti and Nicholas fell agonizingly short with Gingins/GRYCC all out three runs short.

Tears and disappointment carried renewed resolve into Sunday. The morning match against Cossonay saw the team guarantee themselves a place in the final with a punishing 20 not out by Reuben setting the tone and an all round bowling performance capping off a big win.

The final saw focus and precision from the start. All four opening seamers bowled with excellent line and length that restricted scoring and brought wickets. Aadi and Jhonti prowled the infield suffocating the singles and several excellent catches kept the pressure tight. A jubilant Casper took an excellent wicket following hard work in the nets before Basel were all out for 59.

Promoted up the order, Kai opened the batting with Eddie to bring a stoic straight bat to complement the flair of the young Aussie. A brilliant opening partnership saw off the fine Basel opening bowlers before Aadi and Anhad brought it home to win by 7 wickets. Following the drama of the night before the run chase was measured with a certain inevitability growing after 9 overs.

Above all this was a victory for a team of young people who play for each other and enjoy being together. Throughout the weekend jokes, laughter and doughnut eating competitions were complemented by net sessions where they coached each other and tried to help each player improve their game. In fact, on more than one occasion they had to be told to stop playing cricket in case they tired themselves out for their matches.