Maroochydore cricketer Luke McInnes recalls big season after Ashley Noffke Medal honour

Coast cricket’s top player has listed a number of “memorable” wicket hauls and a staunch partnership among the top highlights of a stunning season of cricket.

Maroochydore's Luke McInnes (centre) was awarded the Ashley Noffke Medal earlier this month. Picture: Patrick Woods

Coast cricket's top player has listed a number of "memorable" wicket hauls and a staunch partnership among the top highlights of a stunning season of cricket.

Maroochydore's Luke McInnes was awarded Sunshine Coast Cricket's Ashley Noffke Medal on April 17 as Division 1's most valuable player for the 2020-21 season.

The 24-year-old was ecstatic to earn the praise,

"It was pretty special," he said.

"Coming from last year as well I think I ended up third (in the medal tally) so I was pretty determined to go a couple better this year and get over the line."

It capped what was a remarkable season for the Maroochydore star who was also named in the Division 1 Merit Team of the Year and took out the top bowling honour with 58 wickets at an average of 9.66.

McInnes, who bowls medium pace, said he looked to maintain the form upon return to the crease.

"I would hope the bowling stays about the same because it's pretty memorable taking 70 wickets in a season," he said.

"(But) getting more runs would be nice next season."

Here are McInnes' top moments from the 2020-21 season:

Maroochydore's Luke McInnes (centre). Picture: Patrick Woods

Mammoth wicket haul

Including his efforts in the finals, McInnes nailed a total of 70 wickets from the 2020-21 season.

"It was definitely a personal best for me," he said.

"(It comes down to) Probably just being a little more smarter.

"And I did bowl another 120 overs more than what I did last year as well being the senior bowler in the team I had to step up a bit."

His previous best total wicket haul, including finals, was last year with 42.

He's hovered between 18 and 25 wickets for the past decade, experiencing a major boom in form of late.

Noosa scalps

McInnes was effective with the ball all season but said his first fifer of the year in Round 15 against Tewantin-Noosa was a fond highlight.

He nailed 5-37, with 13 maidens, across 28 overs.

Among those wickets was staunch batter Jarrod Officer, who finished his season with 896 runs.

Maroochydore's Luke McInnes. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Big partnership

While his batting wasn't up on last year's efforts, McInnes was still listed one knock in particular as a top moment.

It came against Glasshouse in Round 19 where he bashed his season best of 55.

"I was in a big partnership with Zak Willox," he said.

"I think we were 4/40 and we put on 150 together.

"He put on a (110) and I hit 50 odd."

Maroochydore still lost the outing, but put up a valiant fight thanks to the duo.

"They ended up on top (of the ladder) and they have a pretty handy bowling line up so it was pretty good to have a big partnership against them," he said.

Maroochydore's Luke McInnes. Picture: Patrick Woods

Another fifer

McInnes bagged his second fifer of the season during an important Round 21 match ahead of finals.

He collected 3-17 in the first innings before a stunning 5-18 effort in the second innings for a total of eight wickets in a two-dayer against Coolum.

"We had to win outright to secure second place on the ladder and get a home semi final," he said.

"It was great (to get that many wickets)."

Season silverware

While they didn't claim the minor premiership, Maroochydore were still a force to take out the Division 1 championship after toppling Caboolture.

Along with the two-day triumph, they also took out the one-day Division 1 title.

It continued a remarkable run for the club, who took out all three formats last season.

McInnes savoured the feat.

"It was good to get five out of six (trophies) in two years, it's pretty handy," he said.

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Originally published as Maroochydore cricketer Luke McInnes recalls big season after Ashley Noffke Medal honour