NOT everyone can count themselves a premiership captain after their first attempt.
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But Jacob Buxton isn't every other bloke.
The rookie skipper, 21, led Russells Creek Blue to a division three grand final triumph over Nirranda on Saturday.
Creek restricted Nirranda - the minor premier - to just 140 on a lightning quick JJ Colledge Oval outfield and reached the total in the 34th over.
"It's unreal," a delighted Buxton told The Standard.
"Nirranda didn't finish on top of the ladder for no reason. I thought we were the underdogs and if they played well, they'd be hard to beat.
Nirranda didn't finish on top of the ladder for no reason. I thought we were the underdogs and if they played well, they'd be hard to beat.
- Jacob Buxton
"At drinks they were about 3-80, so the fact we got those last six or seven wickets for just 60 runs was really pleasing. We knew 140 was probably a bit under par with such a quick outfield."
Veteran batsman Andy Prisco (43 runs) was Creek's top scorer while Anthony Rook (29) and Matthew Rook (27) also contributed heavily.
A spread of wicket takers, including Harry Peake (3-26 off six) tasted success.
Buxton said his side "wasn't super young" but had a strong core of players between 20 to 25.
"I've never met a better bunch of blokes," he said.
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"They're a great all-round team. Great banter, great blokes."
Buxton said Creek overcame a poor fielding effort to secure the triumph over an experienced Knights outfit.
"I think we dropped four or five really easy chances but our bowling worked really well," he said.
"We held some nice, tight lines and waited for them to play the big shot. Runs on the board is a big thing in finals."
He said the triumph was personally made sweeter given it was his first year as captain of the side.
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