When Ethan Brookes took the tenth and final Somerset wicket shortly after 7pm on Sunday, Worcestershire Rapids were confirmed as 2025 Metro Bank One Day Cup finalists.
But this was more than just qualification. More than just a memorable victory.
This day was 21-years in the making.
As Worcestershire’s place in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Final was secured, the emotions around Visit Worcestershire New Road were palpable: excitement, joy, pride and relief all in abundance.
The gloomy skies had long settled in over Visit Worcestershire New Road, but the loyal supporters who had stayed through the rain and wind came together to enjoy a release of emotions that has not been felt towards the club’s white-ball side since the famous T20 triumph of 2018.
Head Coach, Alan Richardson, could barely contain his smile as he shared the pride with his supporters after the Rapids had secured their place in the final at Trent Bridge to face Hampshire, on 20th September.
“The boys have worked incredibly hard for this throughout these last three weeks. So, it feels like just rewards from the incredible amount of hard work that’s gone in. I hope everyone’s enjoyed watching it, because we certainly have.
“This tournament has been fantastic.
“They come and support us in numbers, not just in the volume, the way that they support us is really important.
“We’re always, certainly as players, very grateful of the support that we receive.”
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.”
The form books count for very little however when finals cricket comes into the conversation, with Hampshire, chasing a first One Day Cup title for seven years, standing in the way of Richardson and his side.
With Trent Bridge the venue for the final in September, the Worcestershire faithful will be embarking on the journey North-Easterly with every hope of securing one more victory to etch Worcestershire’s name onto the trophy for the first time since 2004.
Richardson, says his players are aware of the opportunity that is now within touching distance.
“I am incredibly proud because at the start of the year we look at all three formats and try and be as competitive as possible, and the road to Trent bridge was one of those targets to get there and enjoy the day and hopefully win it.
“For those guys, it’ll be an opportunity to get up on the board in the Graham Hick Pavilion, which is something we talk about a lot.
“We want guys in our squad who are match winners and then can hopefully create a bit of history for the club, and I think that’s really important.
