Having topped Group A after a dramatic last day of action saw Gloucestershire surrender their seemingly vice like grip at the top of the standings, Worcestershire were forced to wait before learning of their opponents in Sunday’s semi-final, with a South West shoot out confirming that it would the Cider men who made the trip to face Worcestershire.
The resulting victory did not only confirm the hosts as One Day Cup finalists, but re-affirmed the status of the Rapids side as a 50-over outfit with plenty to shout about.
Winning seven out of eight group games, Alan Richardson’s side showed an all-court game that had fans of all ilks daring to dream that this was the year of the List A conquest.
Underpinning a top-order purring with confidence and a bowling ensemble taking wickets for fun, rock solid leadership and precise captaincy has guided the Rapids into the final two.
Alongside his List A love affair with the bat, Jake Libby’s captaincy has been one of the most talked about areas of success during this competition, with Richardson noting the positive effect the decision has had on both he and club-captain, Brett D’Oliveira.
“When we decided that we were going to split the captaincy up a little bit, Brett was really happy with that, because he wanted an opportunity to have a month where he could just play his own game and just play.
“I think we’ve watched him at backward point this tournament and it has just been fantastic. It’s back to seeing Brett, instead of him being parked at mid-off, mid-on, you know, talking to the bowlers as captain.
“So that’s been great. It’s a great exposure for Jake where he has had some opportunities to do some leadership, which is really important for him. It’s important for all the players.
“We have it with Adam Hose, who’s captain, some of the T20 stuff as well. I think it’s really important to have as many guys who are familiar with leading and Jake’s done a really good job.
“He does it slightly differently than Brett, as I would expect, has been very calm and consistent throughout. I think the boys have really enjoyed it, I hope they have, because it certainly has been for the support staff we have.”