Promising opening batsman Tom Cooper has expressed relief after scoring his maiden Ford Ranger Cup ton for South Australia against his former state on Tuesday.
Playing in just his fourth domestic one-day fixture, Cooper blasted the New South Wales attack striking 11 boundaries on the way to an impressive 101 from 111 deliveries.
The talented 22-year-old, who entered the must-win match in good form with two half-centuries already under his belt, saved his best performance of the season for his former team-mates in his first appearance on the SCG in enemy colours.
"It was nice to finally get a hundred under my belt," Cooper enthused.
"(Having made) two starts (in previous innings) and not going on it was a little disappointing but yeah to get a hundred was very special, it's something I'll remember forever."
Cooper says he did not take his mid-season switch lightly but now has no regrets having made a promising start to life as a Redback.
"It was a big move down there, to leave everything up here for a new start and luckily so far it's paid off and hopefully it continues to do so," Cooper said.
Asked if he felt he had a point to prove against his former team Cooper insisted he harbours no ill-feelings towards the Blues, many of whom he still considers good mates.
"I always knew in myself I was capable of scoring runs," he said
"I didn't have a great couple of seasons the last couple of seasons up here so it wasn't so much about proving anyone wrong but it was nice to get a hundred against the old state."
Meanwhile, Blues skipper Dominic Thornely, was at a loss to explain his side's 173-run loss after heading in to the match against the Redbacks brimming with confidence.
"It was a pretty disappointing effort in all three facets - bat, ball and in the field as well," he conceded.
"I'm a bit surprised because I was very confident that we were ready for a big game today."