It may have ended on a down note, but the South East did the region proud at the 2021/22 SACA Senior Country Cup.

The team was on fire scoring three wins from as many games to reach the final against Northern at Karen Rolton Oval where the opposition nailed the basics and prevailed.

The five-wicket loss was a tale of what could have been for South East, but captain Nick McInerney said there was a lot to smile about, especially the team’s improvement following last summer’s winless run.

“We are disappointed in the end result and with the performance on the last day, but we are still very proud of our efforts to get to the final,” he said.

“I felt like we were probably the strongest team and just did not perform on the big day.

“We did not rely on anybody because all the runs and wickets were shared which speaks to the squad’s depth.

“The bowling attack did a great job being really economical with a big emphasis on building pressure.

“Elliott Fisher had a good week bowling his spin on his first trip, while Connor Prior and Jake Blackwell showed a lot of intent with the bat.

“It was pleasing to be back where we belong and do what we are capable of, so everyone can take the experience home with them which can hopefully makes local cricket stronger as a result.”

After a crushing victory in the opener against Yorke Peninsula and a hard-fought win over Eyre Peninsula where a tight effort in the field played a key role, South East was on the verge of cruising into the decider.

However, a defiant Fleurieu and Districts side stood in its way and the captain had to produce something special in a tense run chase.

Of the last seven South East batters, McInerney was the only one to reach double figures, but was able to construct valuable stands to scrap out a one-wicket win.

The captain’s unbeaten 69 showcased similar qualities to many of Steve Waugh’s famous innings fighting with the tail and it sealed South East’s ticket to the decider.

McInerney said he had to use a lot of guts and determination in the match-winning performance.

“Being a lowish total, we did not have to panic and the beauty of playing at this level is the tailenders still bat at the top for their club and are really capable cricketers like number 11 Michael Waters, who has scored an A Grade 100,” he said.

“So even when we were nine down, I had confidence we could get it done, but it was a nerve-wracking timing knowing the game could have slipped away.

“Getting in just took time and you just had to keep batting.

“My first 35 balls were very ugly and rough because they bowled well, but it got a bit easier once I understood the conditions.

“It was awesome to see we were able to hang on with people sticking around and rotating the strike to get us home.”

The win gave South East the chance to get its hands back on the Country Cup in the final at the glorious Karen Rolton Oval.

McInerney said missed opportunities in field and at the crease meant the trophy went begging.

“We just did not put enough runs on the board because the pitch and outfield was really good,” he said.

“We got off to a flying start, but no one could dig in and kick onto that big score which was down to some poor shot selection.

“A couple of dropped catches hurt including their key player – Zach Fielding, who went on to score 79 – first ball, so not performing at our best cost us.”

The greatest reflection of South East’s team effort is in the individual leaderboards.

Despite being one of the most consistent sides in the Country Cup, Connor Prior is the only South East batter in the top 10 leading run scorers, while the side’s leading wicket takers Alex Hentschke, McInerney and Waters were all outside the top five.

A new addition to the group was coach Kieran Ashby.

The North Sportsman’s legend was brought in to provide a sounding board for the players on and off the field and McInerney said he was a major part of the success.

“Kieran’s insight was amazing because he sees the game so well and can communicate it,” McInerney said.

“So he talked us through our and the oppositions batting techniques, helped us set fields and which bowlers to use, so his unbelievable cricket brain was certainly a factor.”