DESPITE Sydney Thunder missing the Big Bash League finals for a fourth successive season, Orange product Chris Tremain said there was no disappointment in the electric green camp.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“No, there’s none on our end,” Tremain said, speaking from the Thunder’s end-of-season function.
“When Paddy Upton [head coach] came in he let the team govern itself.
“We had to find the best way to win and we did. At times it didn’t come off but overall we were pretty satisfied with the season.”
The Thunder improved substantially on the past three seasons - which all netted wooden spoons - despite only moving one place up the ladder to seventh.
In fact, in 2012-13 and 2013-14 combined, Tremain and his troops won just one game. They doubled that in 2014-15.
“There were times where we couldn’t handle what was happening and it led to losses,” Tremain said.
“Other things like the toss of the coin came into play, injuries and guys being called up to the Australian team. But we won a couple convincingly.
“I say it every season at the start and end, we’re improving, and a big year isn’t far away.”
Tremain was central in the Thunder’s last round last ball loss to the Sydney Sixers, in which the men in magenta pummelled 56 from the final three overs, and 23 from the last to steal an unlikely victory.
Sixers batsman Jordan Silk inspired the win, taking what many are calling the best catch in the BBL’s history before thrashing 69 from 43 balls, including 43 from his final 13.
Happy with how he bowled in taking 1-43 off four, Tremain was part of a match-turning moment - he dropped Silk on 16.
“Yeah, he definitely owes me a beer I think,” Tremain laughed.
“Unfortunately, you can be as good in the field as you want and sometimes you drop those catches, everyone drops them sometimes.
“I was livid with myself, but it’s one of those things you just need to swallow and move on from. Silky batted superbly, it was incredible to watch really.”
The loss not only signalled the end of the Thunder’s summer but also the end of Tremain’s three-year contract with the franchise.
The 23-year-old said he remained unsure of his Twenty20 future.
“If things work out that way, I’d be back here [the Thunder] in a heartbeat,” Tremain said.
“I’ve had a wonderful time here, I’ve seen the improvement and I’d give anything to be a part of the set-up when we’re successful.
“But it may not work out that way. For now, I’ll concentrate on club cricket and hopefully building on a good start to the Sheffield Shield season with Victoria.”
