At 39 years old, Hoare had played in eight previous grand finals across the grades - and lost them all.

"I was a bit nervous, but also quite determined not to lose (again)," Hoare recalled yesterday.

"I am a bowler, but I knew what I had to do (with the bat)."

With Lake Albert in desperate trouble, Hoare responded to the challenge in remarkable style, punishing the South Wagga Blue attack in blistering style.

Taking a long handle to the Bulldogs bowlers, Hoare blasted 10 fours and five sixes in a fabulous knock of 83 runs to carry Lake Albert to 6-192.

As if stumped by Hoare's heroic onslaught, the Bulldogs struggled in reply and were cleaned up 140, with 53-year-old Doug Charlton leading the way with 4-39.

Amid the jubilation of a drought-breaking Wagga cricket premiership, Hoare admitted he was overcome with raw emotion on Saturday.

"It was very exciting," Hoare said yesterday.

"I will be honest and say I had a tear in my eye, even at 39 years old.

"After so many losses I suppose it got to me."

For Hoare, barnstorming Saturday's grand final knock was as perfectly timed as it was unexpected.

"I'd only scored 80 runs all year (before Saturday)," he said.

"I suppose we needed it."

A greenkeeper at Wagga Country Club, Hoare was back at work yesterday after a good round of celebrations.

"The club song got a very good work out," he laughed.

As team-mate Charlton possibly thinks of declaring time on his cricket career, Hoare has no intention of hanging up his bat.

"No, I'll keep going," he said.

"I'm too silly to give it away."

Significantly, Hoare has a special reason to stay at crease.

"My son Rowan is nine years old and I'd love one day to play in the same team with him," Hoare said.

"I actually the coach of the under 10s and I've been told by the club I'm contracted to the under 16s."

A life member of Lake Albert Cricket Club, Hoare's maiden grand final victory was warmly applauded yesterday by clubmates and rivals alike.