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Russell led Old Harbour to victory in SDC Twenty20. - file
West Indies Test and One-day all-rounder, Andre Russell, came in for high praise as Old Harbour lifted the 2011 Social Development Commission (SDC) National Community Twenty20 title and pocketed a whopping $700,000 at Alpart on Sunday.
Fans poured on to the field to greet him, once the last Content Gardens wicket went caught at midwicket, to get a hug, handshake or deliver a high five. In fact, Russell at the end of the game had to keep dodging scores of fans who tried to douse him with water.
Manager, Clifton Green who has overseen Old Harbour's progress in the past 13 years which has yielded nine league and knock-out titles within St Catherine, said Russell's presence in the team was crucial.
"We had a very balanced side but Russell had a very positive impact. He really pushed the professionalism in the side," Green told STAR Sports as his side closed in on victory with Content Gardens reeling at 22 for four after nine overs and another 100 runs to get in nine overs.
While Old Harbour were the beneficiary of Russell's growing international reputation as a
reliable explosive hitter, after he crafted back-to-back centuries in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, his behaviour off the field was also very important.
"His message in meetings is always 'gentlemen I am serious and I want you to be serious about this cricket'," revealed Green.
While Russell failed with the bat in Sunday's final after being starved of opportunities to hit on a difficult Alpart wicket, he made just six from 18 balls, his all-round qualities - his bowling, fielding - helped to lift his team.
His first three overs cost a mere three runs. While he bowled at a less than 'lively' pace, he stayed disciplined on length, and in keeping with the team's plan and resisted his tendency to bowl short. He also shared in leading the team with wicketkeeper Ronville Brown, when regular skipper, Lascelles Davis, the team's main bowler, had to leave the field after suffering cramps.
