Journey of the Champions
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As the last Türk FC Hattersheim wicket fell against the setting sun at Düsseldorf Nordpark, Düsseldorf Blackcaps were crowned the 2017 German Bundesliga champions. Türk FC Hattersheim, runners up from last year, were pipped to the post yet again by a formidable unit in a thrilling finish. Not only did the quality of the contest wrap up the season on a high but also proved how determination, discipline and most importantly team-work can take a team places.
The journey was far from easy. It is worth mentioning that the Blackcaps also overcame the defending champions SG Findorff in a clinical semi-final performance. And the quarter final contest was hardly a cakewalk as the team battled a 5 hour long road trip the very day of becoming the Bundesliga winners. They traveled all the way to Werder (Havel), won the quarter final and drove back the very next day to round off an eventful weekend.
The Düsseldorf Blackcaps, though, were an upbeat unit right since the beginning of the spring as the players looked forward to training outdoors. It took a few weeks of acclimatization and every team member was fit as a fiddle and raring to go. Roles were set for every individual for the upcoming season. Knowing that each outing would be an intriguing contest, the players were motivated to not let the intensity drop. The team started looking better with every passing session – fielding drills saw more catches being taken and throws getting more accurate. The bowlers got more consistent with their line and length while the batsmen were middling the ball more often. Most importantly, the players pushed themselves to the limit and beyond – a spinner might try a carom ball or a batsman could attempt the scoop shot. The training sessions, and not games, were meant for all such experiments after all. The process immediately showed results as the Bundesliga season began – Düsseldorf Blackcaps registered some clinical victories and a few hard-fought ones. But the team never looked dependent on a couple of individuals. About four games into the season, the team boasted of different match-winners, both with the bat and with the ball. Not to mention, the bowlers stepped up to the plate with the bat when the chips were down and vice-versa.
As the season rolled towards its business end, the Bundesliga was poised for an exciting finish. With one game for the Blackcaps being washed out and the solitary loss to Bonn Blue Stars, the Bundesliga championship boiled down to the very last game of the league against Golden Star Cricket Club. It was a nail-biting finish where the Blackcaps held their nerves and clinched victory by two wickets. And thus Düsseldorf Blackcaps became Bundesliga champions for two seasons straight. However, this would only mark the beginning of a tougher challenge – the German Bundesliga Championship was up for grabs now. The Blackcaps accepted it alright!
We would like to thank our sponsors Lebara for their support and also the Blackcaps management for ensuring another smooth season. Also most importantly we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the friends, families and supporters of the club.