Sport
‘This is what I’ve been wanting’: Club favourite clinches first Haisman Shield premiership
It has taken almost 20 years, but finally Andrew Riordan can call himself a Haisman Shield premiership player.
The Riordan surname has long been associated with Katandra Cricket Club and for the past two decades the Eagles’ star talent has been there for just about every step of the way.
One year away at Grovedale is thrown in among 18 years of regular appearances in the Eagles’ A-grade line-up.
His impressive batting and bowling prowess made him a star of the Haisman Shield, where he claimed the 2010 Lightfoot Medal, and a crucial member of Katandra’s finals runs in the past decade.
However, for all of his accolades and grand final victories there was one medal he sorely desired and had cruelly escaped him.
Until now.
“This is what I’ve been wanting since I made my debut in A-grade back in ’05 which has been a long time,” Riordan said following his side’s incredible 22-run triumph over Central Park-St Brendan’s.
“I spent one year away from the club, but the remainder of the time it’s been here. We’ve been a strong team for a long time and unfortunately I missed out there in 17-18, but I think we deserve it. We earned it.
“I’m rapt, personally to enjoy this moment with the boys and with the club and the community which such a great community to be involved with.”
Riordan, 32, top-scored for his childhood club in the grand final win with 31 off 52 deliveries.
Although his bowling wasn’t called upon he still had an impact in the field with two crucial catches.
A bout with sickness during the week almost derailed him from appearing, but the father of two was never going to miss Saturday’s memorable contest.
Riordan expected the party to continue well past 24 hours.
“It’s going to be big (celebrations) I think,” he said with a grin.
“It’s such a tough competition to win ... there’s some very good teams out there, so we’re going to enjoy it because we realise they don’t come around too often.”