Premier Rees says the blues are the world's best

29 October 2009

Premier Nathan Rees welcomed New South Wales’ World Champion cricket team to Parliament House today, to congratulate them for winning the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India.

Premier Rees and Sport Minister Kevin Greene congratulated the members of the team on bringing home the trophy to NSW and being recognised as the World’s best.

“On behalf of everybody in NSW, I congratulate the NSW Blues on their victory over Trinidad & Tobago on the weekend,” Mr Rees said.

“It was a thrilling win that showed the strong character of the whole team.

“Each and every member of the Blues was a terrific ambassador for NSW.

“For the NSW team to travel to India for the inaugural Champions League and beat eleven of the best teams in the world, including Victoria quite convincingly in the semi-finals, is absolutely fantastic.

“The victory proved once again the Blues are the premier team in Australian sports.

“And the exposure our state received, in one of the fastest growing regions of the world, is priceless.”

Sports Minister Kevin Greene said the final result was made sweeter in defeating Trinidad and Tobago, the only team to beat NSW in the competition.

“I congratulate and thank all involved on this inspiring win and for showing NSW can match it with the best of them,” he said.

“This is also a great time to wish the whole team continued success as they prepare to launch into the start of what I’m sure will be a successful domestic season,” Mr Greene said.

CricketNSW CEO David Gilbert said coming home with the trophy is something the NSW players will never forget.

“NSW were delighted to be the inaugural winners of the Champions League. Getting the opportunity to finish first in this tournament and showcase the skills of our players on a world stage was something that members of the touring party will never forget,” Mr Gilbert said.

“We were impressed with the standard of cricket played throughout the three weeks in India and the atmosphere at the games was terrific. The Indians certainly got behind all teams and gave our State, in particular, outstanding support.

“We were superbly led by Captain Simon Katich and were indebted to our senior players who led the way, as well as our youngsters who performed superbly in a pressure-filled atmosphere.

“We hope that we represented the people of NSW with distinction and are highly honoured to be invited to Parliament House to be received by the Premier who was very supportive of the team throughout the competition,” he said.