And if Rod had been there, he would have been quietly smiling.

Not because his name was emblazon on the magnificent trophy, the inaugural Rod McCabe Cup, but because all those playing held the late cricketer in high regards.

For many of the players in the Workers Stags vs Lake George Bunyips second grade one day grand final match held at Seiffert Oval yesterday afternoon, McCabe was an important part of their cricket education.

The man, who passed away last May aged 64, was heavily involved with the local cricket community, as a player and a cricket coach.

It is fitting that a Cup be named in his honour.

For Workers Stags captain Brad Fitzgerald, McCabe wasn’t only a mentor but a family friend.

His father Chris was good mates with McCabe.

“It would mean quite a lot to win it today,” Fitzgerald said before the match.

“I knew Rod personally through my own cricket and so to win today would be pretty special and most of the boys would say the same thing as well.

“He was a real gentleman of the game and a real gentleman in real life.

“He was just a bloke if you needed to know anything about cricket or needed any help with cricket, call him up, go and see him, and he’d do anything to try and help you.”

Watching on from the stands was Rod’s brother Greg. He told the Post that if his brother were around, he wouldn’t have liked the attention.

“He (Rod) was never interested in those sorts of things,” McCabe laughed.

“Even though he was well known he was always low key. But I’m sure he would be honoured, he wouldn’t make any big deal of it publically, but he would be pleased.

“He’s had a lot to do with cricket here over the years so it’s a nice gesture.

“I’m genuinely appreciative that I’m able to present the trophy to the winning team today, it’s nice of the Association to ask a member of the family.”

Despite the down pour of overnight rain, conditions seemed fair at Seiffert Oval when things got underway in the early afternoon.

The Bunyips won the toss and sent the Stags in to bat.

It was a slow start for the Stags, who lost a couple of wickets early. Although dropped catches from the Bunyips outfield potentially could have made the situation a lot worse.

With Stags at one stage 5/79, Aaron Swanson and Mitch Cook steadied the ship relatively.

Stags batted their 40 over finishing with 9/137, Swanson 27 not out, Chad Cosgrove making a respectable 26.

Bunyip bowlers Ryan Adams was in fine form bagging 3/26 off 8 along with Craig Kellar 2/23 off 8.

Bunyips are chasing 138 to win.

For the final result and scorecard see Wednesday’s edition of the Goulburn Post or head online at goulburnpost.com.au