Thwarted by weather the past two years, and almost once again during last week’s series of matches, the BCA finally tasted success in its six-wicket win against Leongatha in Werribee last Friday.

As a result, the BCA has been promoted from division two to the competition’s provincial level.

According to Florence, the Ballarat side should be able to handle the pressure.

“I truly believe we can make that transition,” Florence told The Courier.

“We have played Bendigo, who played in the provincial final this year, and our games have been very close.

“We played them two weeks before Country Week. We were told by officials that they had almost their strongest team in and it effectively took until the final over for us to be beaten.

“We’re quietly confident that we can match it with those sides.”

The BCA went through last week’s carnival unbeaten, culminating in Friday’s triumph in the final.

The result was a prevailing sense of relief for the Ballarat team, which appeared set for victory in both its 2014 and 2015 campaigns, only for rain to prevent any chance of being promoted to provincial.

Florence said the team had been on a mission.

“It was the culmination of what we've been aiming for since we were relegated three years ago,” Florence said.

Despite the pressure of vying for promotion, Florence revealed there was genuine optimism within the BCA camp heading into last week’s carnival.

”We were really confident that we had the strongest possible team to get the job done, just the way the team clicked and worked together,” Florence said.

“The players had a very professional approach, they were really positive and they got on really well. 

“Even on the day we were washed out (on Thursday) there was still good camaraderie within the group.”

An intense selection process to bring the best possible talent into the side played a key role in the BCA’s victory.

International recruits, as well as the addition of experienced duo Heath Pyke and Nathan Yates, proved fruitful as the tournament progressed.

Florence said selecting the right players for the job – particularly those who were willing to commit to the cause – had been a focus.

“We selected our strongest team,” he said.

“It was critical to be able to get top caliber players into the side. In previous years, whether it was for family reasons, employment or other circumstances, a number of players were not available.

“This year we were fortunate enough to have them in the side.

“Our approach was to identify players we thought would be successful down there. The players we selected were professional in their mindset – once they were selected, they were committed in their aim to win every game of cricket they played.

“It is critical to have that mindset.”

Buoyed by the team’s success, Florence and his team will soon get underway in preparing next year’s squad.

He said the level of talent to pick from would likely be even greater the next time around.

“I think the fact we won it will be an incentive for a lot of players,” Florence said.

“Those who played this year should be willing to recommit and we’re hoping it will encourage other players well.”