There was no shortage of stunning performances in last weekend's Orange District Cricket Association Challenge Shield decider, midway through Sunday's second day you could easily have mounted an argument for almost half a dozen man-of-the-match candidates.
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At that point Cavaliers' Matt Corben, Josh Doherty and Ryan Kurtz had all put forward their cases while Orange City's Jackson Coote, Shaun Grenfell and Ed Morrish were among the undeniable contenders for the Warriors.
But then the latter, Orange City's skipper, produced one of the great grand final innings and captain's knocks to lead his side to a second consecutive title - his first in charge - and rule out any need for discussion.
I didn't want anyone else to have to do the job, I wanted to get it done myself.
- Orange City skipper Ed Morrish on his premiership-winning effort
In umpire Steve Warrington's words, "he was the only candidate after that effort".
After taking 3-50 as his side restricted Cavaliers to 206 Morrish came to the crease with his side at 4-106 and he watched on as Shaun Grenfell (79), Andrew Gordon (1), Jeremy Bartier (1) and Brett Causer (15) all fell around him.
Morrish had remained defiant and had shown a steely resolve until that point but he needed support.
He found that in Western Zone quick Jackson Coote, who came to the crease with the score at 8-152 and stuck with his skipper to guide the Warriors home.
Coote finished 16 not out and while his effort was undeniably stoic, Morrish had made the grand final his own and appropriately it was he who hit the winning runs as well.
"I'm chuffed, I wasn't expecting it, there was a number of guys who's performances probably warranted winning the award," Morrish said, although it reality Warrington and fellow official Matt Tabbernor hadn't considered anyone else.
"Shaun Grenfell batted really well, so did Matty Corben and Josh Doherty was good with bat and ball, but I'm stoked to win it.
"Once I was out there I didn't want anyone else to have to do the job, I wanted to get it done myself. Since I've taken over I have put a bit of pressure on myself to really lead from the front so to be able to do that in a grand final, it's just great.
"There's not better feeling."
The effort also completed an excellent season individually for Orange City's skipper. Including the grand final he finished with 356 runs at an average of 35.6, with three half-centuries, and snared 23 wickets at 19, with one five-wicket haul.
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