IT was a win for the ages at Weeraman Field on Saturday.
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After going 34 matches without a victory, Brook Blue upstaged club mates Silver Slugs in the all-Muswellbrook derby in the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association at the weekend - against the odds.
Chasing a moderate total of 98, the underdogs slipped to 7-14 before father and son combination Peter and Dom Cooper put on an unbeaten stand of 87 to break the side's long-standing drought.
Dad remained 30 not out, while his offspring smashed a well-deserved half century, which included eight boundaries.
It capped off a fantastic game for the youngster, who also claimed 3-11 with the ball.
"Everyone was pretty excited - it [the triumph] was a great feeling among the group," Cooper senior said.
"I honestly believed it would be our day.
"But, when we were at 7-14, I thought 'oh no, not again'.
"I just told Dom to put his head down and, in the end, we got there."
When we were at 7-14, I thought 'oh no, not again'.
- Peter Cooper
The Slugs batted first and slumped to 6-43, however little cameos from Jayden Parker (33), Alec Duncan (13 not out) and Mal Kendall (11) lifted the team to 98.
Peter Turnbull collected a handy 3-18 for the Blues while Dylan Webster snared his first senior wicket.
"We had them in trouble, six scalps down, and gave some of the non-regular bowlers a go," Cooper said.
"Although they managed to make 98, I genuinely felt we were still in a good position."
No one told the Slugs though.
Shaun Wilkins bagged an early hat-trick and Jarrod Watts captured 4-4 to leave the Blues reeling at 7-14.
That left the two family members at the crease.
"Ironically, Jarrod was also on a hat-trick when I walked in at [number] nine," Cooper said.
"So, Dom - who came in at seven - and I were both on zero at the time.
"I must admit, I was pretty cranky when I got out there.
"There was no way I wanted to lose that match.
"We managed to be 7-58 at drinks, needing a further 40 runs.
"I knew we had plenty of time - so, Dom and I picked off the bad balls and kept the good ones out.
"Gee, we were relieved when we reached 7-101."
Cooper said the joy of success would do wonders for the young players in the upcoming rounds.
"Even though it's been tough sometimes, morale's never been a problem," he admitted.
"The boys just love to play cricket.
"Everyone turns up every weekend - and training during the week.
"We succumbed to the Slugs three times last season, so we were keen to turn the tables on them.
"Winning can become a habit, but the guys are aware we still have to work hard.
"However, this result will give them some much-needed confidence.
"We'll now focus on our two T20 fixtures, against Aberdeen and Belltrees, this weekend."
Meanwhile, Souths suffered a heavy defeat at Harrison Oval, Aberdeen.
The Bushrangers amassed 197 and restricted the competition newcomers to 9-27.