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When Conor Bryant let himself reflect on Saturday nightâs T20 grand final defeat to Magpies he could do so with a smile, because 12 months earlier he played a key role in getting them there.
The longtime Devil switched to Magpies last season and played a part in nurturing the clubâs stable of young but talented players, before returning to Norths this year.
It came back to bite him on the biggest stage in Mackay cricket, when those same young guns â led by experienced campaigner and top bat Rhys McBride â rolled to a six-wicket win on Saturday night.
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For no rhyme or reason, Rhys McBride simply loves batting against Norths.
After a lean few weeks by his own lofty standards, the Magpies skipper chose the perfect time to tee-off and help lift his side into a grand final.
Alongside opening partner Adam Zurvas (46 off 44), McBride blasted 11 boundaries – including six fours – in Sunday’s Division 1 T20 Shootout encounter, en route to 80 off 50.
It came just three weeks after his unbeaten 101 against Norths in the DBCT Poole cup.
Sunday’s 109-run opening wicket partnership was crucial to Magpies’ chances because after McBride departed, Norths’ attack – led by Mason Kohler (3/11) – had its way with the middle-order.