BRANTHAM Cricket Club’s Jason Pembroke has hailed the “exceptional” efforts of his cup-winning side.

Sunday skipper Pembroke saw his team lift the Ipswich Audi Suffolk Cricket Alliance KO Cup after a convincing victory against Kesgrave.

They won by an emphatic nine wickets to claim the silverware for the first time in eight years.

“We’d originally tried to get the final moved, because four of our regular Sunday players were away,” said Pembroke, who also plays for Mistley in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship on Saturdays.

“Kesgrave were aware of that, so I think they were somewhat shell-shocked at the strength of our side.

“We brought in a few lads who play predominantly in our Saturday side, but have also played the odd game for us on a Sunday.

“They did an exceptional job and I couldn’t have asked for any more from any of the lads out there.

“Their commitment to the cause and, more importantly, to each other was exceptional, whether it was with the bat, ball or in the field.

“Everyone was right up for it from the moment we stepped out there.

“They all did themselves proud and I felt privileged to be the person who got to go up and lift the trophy on their behalf.”