Eastern Cricket Association: Peter Dickson wins Dunstan Medal

East Doncaster star Peter Dickson was named the ECA’s Dunstan Medal winner earlier this week and he’s revealed how a change in role led to his success.

Peter Dickson’s stunning cricket career has another brilliant chapter.

On Wednesday night, he was officially named the Dunstan Medal winner, the highest honour in the Eastern Cricket Association.

Dickson claimed the award with 16 votes one ahead of Old Carey star Rahul Khera while Nathan Boucher (Glen Iris) and Nitesh Patel (North Balwyn) finished on 12 respectively.

The former Premier Cricket star enjoyed a standout season with the bat scoring 520 runs, including four half-centuries, at an average of 34.67.

He eventually took on some bowling responsibilities in the second half of the season taking 13 wickets at 14.

Dickson found himself in the attack after Matt Bremner suffered a broken finger forcing him to miss several games.

He had bowled just eight overs for East Doncaster a season earlier.

“Being in the game a little more with the ball probably helps a little bit with getting votes,” Dickson said.

“The award came as a bit of a surprise when I got the ECA board to say I had won. Matt and I bowl very similar so I think that’s why I ended up rolling the arm over a bit more.

“It’s a huge honour to win this award.”

Dickson’s victory meant East Doncaster’s recent dominance of the award continued with the club home to the last three winners.

Englishman Joe Kendall and Matt Vaiano won the medal at the end of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons respectively.

“It’s special to think I’m up there alongside those guys,” he said.

“Especially Matt (Vaiano) who I’m very close friends with.”

East Doncaster finished the 2021-22 season as runners-up after going down to Old Carey in the grand final.

But Dickson is confident the club can bounce back.

“We’re a proud group and we’ve got a great desire to compete for a premiership again,” he said.

“I think the return of two-day cricket is going to spark things up again. The boys are looking forward to getting back into the whites.”

Boroondara star Nathan Douglas took out the Macgibbon Shield’s Stuart medal on 19 votes after a brilliant season.

His form at the start of the campaign was brilliant scoring an unbeaten 105 and two half-centuries in the opening three games.

The opener eventually finished with 612 runs at an average of 61.2.

He also proved to be just as effective with the ball taking 13 wickets at 24.23.

Trinity Willison’s Michael Sparks finished second in the count with 18 votes.

Mount Waverley Catholics’ Lewis Hawkins and St Pauls’ Luke Pappon were next best on 15 votes.