Ton of guns: 100 of local cricket’s leading players for the 2021-22 season

There’s been a stack of runs and plenty of poles taken in community cricket this season. Here are 100 of the top local cricketers, from A to N Grade.

East Sandringham’s Matthew Harris was a leading player in the South East Cricket Association.

Big run tallies, piles of wickets.

We’ve gone through all the grades of the local competitions and rounded up the leading players of the 2021-22 season.

Here are the cricketers who cranked it up over summer.

Mick Allen, Gisborne, Gisborne District CA

A timeless treasure of cricket in Melbourne, Allen just keeps producing for Gisborne. The former Ryder Medal star cracked 438 runs at an average of 62.57 in 10 appearances this season with a high score of 196 not out. That’s a new personal-best.

Brenton Alp, Somerville, Mornington Peninsula CA

The Eagles opener had a breakout season, highlighted by his maiden First XI century. He’s piled up 599 runs at 54.45, still with finals to come. Also scored a couple of 88s, 78 and 68.

Geeth Alwis, St Albans, VTCA

The Saints’ star all-rounder finished top-10 in the VTCA Senior Division run-scorer and wicket-taker charts again in 2021-22. A marvel on the field, he hit 385 runs at 35 and took 21 wickets at 17.10 to place eight and third overall respectively. How St Albans missed the finals this season is anyone’s guess.

Chris Armstrong, Grand United, Williamstown and District CA

In just seven matches Armstrong hit 584 runs at 116.8, including three centuries in the WDCA Division B. He was also dismissed for 99.

Lokesh Arora, United Wyndham, Williamstown and District CA

Arora has been outstanding in the one-day competition hitting 541 runs at 60.1 with two centuries. He also took 13 wickets in Division A.

Tom Bach, STC South Camberwell, Eastern CA

Bach recorded just two scores below 30 on his way to 687 runs for the season at 76.33 in the Burt Shield.

Vinod Bagi, Youlden Parkville, Mercantile CA

There were a few bags for Bagi on his way to 30 wickets at 8.2 in D Sunday.

Jarrod Bannister, Rivergum, NMCA

One of the key reasons behind Rivergum’s dominance of the NMCA Jika Shield for the past decade. Bannister was again at the forefront of the club’s march to an 11th straight grand final with 288 runs at 48 – including a trio of half-centuries – and 24 wickets at 9.33. Topped the competition’s wicket-taker charts and finished fifth overall for runs.

Andrew Bennett, West Preston, NMCA

Made the NMCA Kelly Shield his playground this season after crossing from DVCA club Epping, smashing 669 runs at 74.33 with two tons and five half-centuries. Scored 127 against Preston Baseballers and 103 against Darebin North Riders as well as a 96 against Rivergum.

Kim Bessell, Darley, GDCA

The clear No. 1 player in the Gisborne District, Bessell finished first in the association’s women’s competition for runs and second for wickets. Finished the campaign for Darley with 324 runs at an average of 54.00, including four half-centuries, and took 11 wickets at 15.45.

Andrew Boughton, Preston Baseballers, NMCA

The No. 1 run-scorer in the NMCA’s top-flight Jika Shield this season with 432 runs at an average of 52.33 and will have a chance to guide to his team to back-to-back premierships on Saturday against Rivergum. Scored a cracking 127 not out against Reservoir Cobras as well as three 50s.

Aaron Brunner, Belgrave, Ferntree Gully District CA

His team missed the finals but Brunner was certainly a highlight for Belgrave, recording 581 runs at 48.42 – ranked third overall in the FTGDCA’s top-flight, the Norm Reeves Shield. An unbeaten 107 early on proved the peak of his season, followed closely by 105 late in the piece. Also enjoyed three half-centuries on top of his two tons, to go with 13 wickets.

Tom Burton, Mazenod, Eastern CA

Burton enjoyed a standout A Turf season, weighing in with 596 runs at an average of 59.6.

Shaun Buttigieg-Clarke, Sacred Heart, Mercantile CA

A star performer in the MCA’s A Reserve grade, with 526 runs at 75.1 and 18 wickets at 10.3.

Jake Carter, Lysterfield, Ferntree Gully District CA

Think of the names that have fired the Beavers to another grand final this season and it’s difficult to go past Carter. Tops the wicket count in the FTGDCA’s premier grade with 31 wickets at 12.32, and he’s brought in substantial numbers consistently. He fired in last week’s semi-final with a sizzling 4-38 against Knoxfield to help his side into the decider. A premiership medal could top off a stellar campaign in a fortnight.

Stephen Carusi, Box Hill North Super Kings, Box Hill Reporter CA

Well ahead of the pack in the BHRDCA’s C-Grade comp with 610 runs, spearheaded by his five half-centuries and seven unbeaten stands. The No. 1 bat hasn’t cracked the ton this season, but he’s been close with a best of 95 not out, before an unbeaten 94 in the semi-final last weekend. Ultra-consistent across 13 matches this season.

Dinesh Cooray, Airport West St Christophers, VTCA

Monstered the VTCA Division 1, together with Daniel Salpietro, yet someone the Eagles missed the finals. Nevertheless, Cooray’s enjoyed a superb season hitting three centuries in the last five games of the campaign to finish with 583 runs an at average of 58.30. Top score of 120 against PEGS. Took 10 wickets too.

Simon Cormie, Mentone, Cricket Southern Bayside

Always faces the first ball and almost always gets the Tigers off to a grand start. Scored 557 runs at 42.85, with five half-tons.

Simon Cormie of Mentone.

Shane Cosstick, Monbulk, Ferntree Gully District CA

It’s no coincidence Monbulk is playing off in the Division 2 grand final with the figures Cosstick has produced this season. Top-five for runs in the competition with 451 at an average of 45.10, while he’s also bagged 25 wickets at 13.32. A masterclass of 8-22 highlighted his season against Upper Gully in Round 12, while 101 against Knox Gardens proved the zenith of his batting.

Miguel Cummins, Keilor, VTCA

After 14 Tests and 11 ODIs for the West Indies, Cummins showcased his class in the VTCA this season. The paceman only played the 10 matches but took 27 wickets at 7.85 with three five-wicket hauls. The Blues will be hoping he can lead them to a premiership in the next fortnight.

Todd Delahunt, Edinburgh, Eastern CA

Delahunt was a consistently strong performer with the ball, finishing with 31 wickets at 10.61 from 12 D Turf matches.

Simon Dart, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula CA

The champion returned from Japan with a hearty appetite for runs. He accumulated 621 runs, at 69, to lead the Provincial division run list. Scored a century and six half-centuries for the Hillmen.

Steven Devenish, Johnson Park, Ferntree Gully District CA

Second overall in the FTGDCA’s top competition for runs with 665 at 51.15, Devenish was a shining light for the Sharks in otherwise difficult campaign for the club winning just three matches. The opener’s season was highlighted by consecutive centuries across Rounds 4 and 5, with 113 and 104 respectively, getting close again a fortnight later with 94. Finished the season with two tons and two half-centuries. Also took 14 wickets for the Sharks across 13 matches.

Pradeep De Silva, Ballam Park, Mornington Peninsula CA

The brilliant Sri Lankan blazed four centuries to lead the Sub District run list with 591 at 45.46. He also had eight single figure scores.

Chris Diggle, East Sandringham, South East CA

Had a great time of it for the bayside powerhouse, plundering 561 runs at 51, with one century.

Nathan Douglas, Boroondara, Eastern CA

One century and six half-centuries made up Douglas’ impressive Macgibbon Shield campaign as he scored 612 runs at 61.2.

Jaccod Eccles, Footscray Angliss, VTCA

A dominant all-round season in the VTCA’s Division 5. Eccles finished second overall in runs and fourth in wickets and will be a popular pick for the Pollock Medal at the end of the season. The Footscray Angliss star notched up 420 runs at 38.18 and took 22 wickets at 15.77.

Rukshan Fernando, Maribyrnong Park St Marys, VTCA

The Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s captain-coach delivered in spades in 2021-22. Fernando pumped out 475 runs at 67.86 and took 23 wickets at 12.13. He even wicket in several games.

Dan Ford, South Caulfield, Cricket Southern Bayside

Started the season with a century and the runs kept coming as he racked up 555 at 55.50 to lead the Division 2 chart.

Jason Fraser, Monbulk, Ferntree Gully District CA

Runner-up for runs in the FTGDCA’s Division 2 with 550, helping his side into second spot and a grand final berth. Olinda wore the brunt of his peak performance when he thrashed 106 not-out mid-season, but he’s also achieved five-half centuries – two of those coming in the past fortnight, including one in the semi-final victory. Averaged 55, having smacked 62 fours and 8 sixes. A legend of local cricket.

Musashi Fujihara, Ashwood, Mercantile CA

Was one of suburban cricket’s most prolific batsmen, scoring a total of 784 runs at 52.3 across the South C and D Turf sections. Hit two centuries in South C.

Nick Freeman, Hampton United, South East CA

Freeman missed out on a century in Quiney Shield. But he piled up 613 runs at 51.1, with two trips into the 90s and four other half-centuries.

Taylor Gibson, East Ringwood, Ringwood District CA

The No. 3 bat has thrashed six half-centuries to go with an unbeaten 124 against Bayswater Park in Round 9, on the way to his 563 runs at an average of 80.43. Knocked 52 fours and 11 sixes, while also taking nine wickets in the Bill Wilkins Cup.

Matthew Goodier, Parkfield, Dandenong District CA

The former Premier player excelled with bat and ball in the Turf 2 section of the DDCA, hitting 447 runs at 37.3 and taking 28 wickets at 11.8.

Channa Gunawardana, Hawthorn, CA

The Hawthorn senior coach lit up the G Turf (Butler Shield) with an outstanding 833 runs at 69.42. He added 51 runs in the Veterans competition to lift his season total to a club-record 884.

Matthew Harris, East Sandringham, South East CA

The classy right-hander hit 577 runs at 72.13, and with a strike rate of 113.1, to lead the Longmuir Shield run list. Scored two centuries as well as an innings of 95 not out. A most accomplished player and no doubt some Premier clubs will call on him over winter.

Kane Hawkins, Flinders, Mornington Peninsula CA

With an ability and willingness to go from ball one, Hawkins is the most destructive player in Peninsula division. He smacked 25 sixes on his way to 592 runs at 45.54.

Jeremy Heys, St Brigid’s-St Louis, Cricket Southern Bayside

Smashed 27 sixes and 43 fours in his way to 520 runs at 52 (strike rate of 125), with a best of 127no.

Henriy Ignatious, St Andrews Gardiner, South East CA

Led the run scoring in I Grade with 564 runs 62.7, with six half-centuries.

Arosh Janoda, St Albans, VTCA

A commanding season with the bat saw Janoda finish second behind teammate Simon Lambert on the VTCA Senior Division run-scorers charts. Knocked up 488 at an average of 48.80, with five half-centuries, while also taking 18 wickets at 19.11.

Mark Jones, Clifton Hill, Eastern CA

Jones enjoyed a resounding season for the Hills, scoring 744 runs at an average of 124, including two E Synthethic centuries.

Elias Karageorgiou, Doncaster, Box Hill Reporter CA

Nobody has been able to get near Karageorgiou for runs in the Dorothy McIntosh Shield, smacking 779 at an average of 64.92 to lead the competition by 331. Has punished teams with his 77 fours and 25 sixes, which has helped him to two tons and four 50s – with 150 against Mulgrave Wheelers Hill a clear standout. Hit more than 80 on three occasions, too. What a season.

Wade King, McKinnon, Cricket Southern Bayside

The matchwinning all-rounder is a class act in Division 1 of CSB, as he showed in taking 34 wickets at 9.18 and hitting 425 runs at 42.50.

Prasad Kulkarni, Melbourne City, Mercantile CA

Had a great time of it with the ball, grabbing 31 wickets in C grade and six more in other sections. Thirty-seven scalps at 8.8? Any bowler would take that.

Simon Lambert, St Albans, VTCA

The third of St Albans all-rounders on the list and again you wonder how it missed finals. Lambert was the No. 1 batsman in the VTCA Senior Division in 2021-22 with 532 runs at 44.33, smashing one century and five 50s. Top scored with 101 against Keilor and chipped in with 13 wickets too.

Damien Lawrence, Pines, Mornington Peninsula CA

Blasted seven half-centuries and 539 runs at 49 to help the Piners to top spot.

Damien Lawrence batting for Pines.

Sam Lielups, Cluden, South East CA

Slippery Sam started his season with the bang of 6-25 off eight overs and went on to 30 wickets at 7.9 in D grade, with another bag of six.

Natalie Linton, Westmeadows, VTCA

The No. 1 player in the VTCA Women’s Division, Linton ranked second overall for runs and first for wickets. The Westmeadows star finished the campaign with 221 runs at 31.57 and 18 wickets at just 5.72.

Sunshine’s Kaushal Lokuarachchi. Picture: Steve Tanner

Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Sunshine, VTCA

The dominant force in VTCA Division 1 after stepping back a grade from Senior Division. The former Sri Lanka international’s first season at Sunshine produced 691 runs at 69.10, with a pair of centuries and five 50s, plus 24 wickets at 14.33. Both were ranked No. 1 in the competition and surely Lokuarachchi has the Isaacs-Howarth Medal wrapped up.

Nuwan Mendis, CUCC Kings, Mercantile CA/Springvale, Dandenong District CA

Whether playing for Springvale on Saturday or the Kings on Sunday, Mendis was hardly out of the runs. He rattled off 582 runs at 52.9 in A Sunday, taking 156 off the Sunrise team in Round 9, an innings studded with 13 sixes and 8 fours. And he came in with 546 runs for the Vales in Turf 3.

Jarrod Milczak, Buckley Park, NWMCA

Scored runs for fun this season at Buckley Park. Milczak posted a pair of centuries, including 139 not out against Preston Druids and 105 not out against Chargers. It could have been three if not for an untimely mistake on 99 against Pascoe Vale Central, which he’ll meet in the grand final this weekend. Has 528 runs at a Bradman-like average of 132 and chipped in with 17 wickets at 18.8 apiece.

Lewis Mildenhall, South Caulfield, Cricket Southern Bayside

The former Premier batsman was the leading run scorer in Championship division with 552 at 69. He cracked 57 boundaries (and no sixes) and also joined the 99 not out club.

South Caulfield batsman Lewis Mildenhall. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Steven Mitchell, Omega, South East CA

Dominated E grade bowling as he plundered two tons and 651 runs at 59.2. A stalwart of a proud community club.

Coady Mitrevski, Templeton, Ringwood District CA

The opening bat has driven 568 runs at an average of 47.33, belting 73 fours across his 13 matches in the Bill Wilkins Cup. Enjoyed a season-best of 108 not-out against Warranwood in Round 12.

Malan Madusanka.

Malan Madusanka, Coomoora, Dandenong District CA

The experienced former Sri Lankan first-class spinner joined the Roos from Huntly North Epsom Cricket Club this season and stacked up 38 wickets at an average of 8.0.

Callum O’Hare, Tooradin, West Gippsland CA

The Seagulls skipper peeled off 525 runs at 52.50 in Premier division, including a century and two trips into the 80s.

Warren Parker, Haig Fawkner Second XI, VTCA

Parker might be running around in Senior Division Seconds this season but that hasn’t stopped him producing a mountain of runs. The Haig Fawkner great topped the competition charts with 591 runs at an average 59.10 with a high score of 150 against Doutta Stars. Backed up 665 last season.

Bobby Parslow, Tootgarook, Mornington Peninsula CA

With an ability to swing the ball, Parslow has had a huge season for the Frogs, snaring multiple wickets in every game on his way to 36 scalps, at 7.75 apiece, in Sub District division.

Marasinghe “Issy” Perera, Deepdene Bears, Eastern CA

With two centuries to his name, the former Sub-District star crafted 524 runs at 47.64 in his first season in the Wright Shield. He also took 21 wickets at 17.1.

Senura Perera, Sunbury United, GDCA

The No. 1 wicket-taker in the GDCA’s top-flight McIntyre Shield, helping Sunbury United complete an undefeated home-and-away season. Perera finished the campaign with 24 wickets an average of 10.25 and will look to add to that tally when finals kick off this weekend.

Jayden Perko, Lalor Warriors, NMCA

The No. 1 bowler in the NMCA’s third tier Kelly Shield, Perko matched his wicket-taking ability with plenty of runs. Not content with 32 scalps (at an elite average of 8.38) he scored 420 runs at 42.00, including four half-centuries, to be ranked fifth overall. The competition’s premier all-rounder.

Jack Philpott, Holy Trinity Fourth XI, NMCA

Found a home in Holy Trinity’s this season and produced some outstanding results. Philpott knocked up 468 runs at an average of 46.80, including a pair of centuries, and took 14 wickets at 17.21. Those numbers were good enough to rank him No. 1 and No. 3 respectively in the NMCA’s Sault Shield F Grade.

Matt Prosser, Langwarrin, Mornington Peninsula CA

Another huge season by the star batsman-leg spinner, compiling 598 runs, at 49.83, and 22 wickets, at 17.05. Must be a big chance for back-to-back Wedgwood Medals, the MPCA’s top award.

Langwarrin batter Matt Prosser. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rajitha Ranaweera, Pakenham Upper Toomuc, West Gippsland CA

The dynamic opener blasted three centuries, 117no, 121no and 100no, as well as an 86, on his way to 614 runs at 68.22 in District division.

Zach Rattray, Cheltenham Park, South East CA

The hurry master of local cricket bombed more than 50 sixes as he powered to 556 runs at 55.6, his aggregate sparkling with three centuries. Had a strike rate of 288.1 in Quiney Shield!

Karvannan Ravi, West Preston Second XI, NMCA

The premier all-rounder in the NMCA’s Horne Shield C Grade. Ravi is ranked No. 1 with bat and ball in the competition this season after amassing 462 runs at 46.20, with a pair of centuries and half-centuries and top-scoring with 149 against Olympic Colts, and 19 wickets at a handy 8.95.

Harish Ravichandran, Preston Footballers, NMCA

Topped the NMCA Quick Shield run charts by more than 100 runs this season after compiling three tons – 138 not out against Olympic Colts, 108 against Cameron and 112 against Fiji Victorian. Finished the home-and-away season with 540 runs at 49.09 a dig.

Jake Sali, St John’s Tecoma, Ferntree Gully District CA

Potent with bat and ball this season, Sali bagged 25 wickets alongside 529 runs – figures which earned him top-four and top-three respectively in the FTGDCA’s Division 2. Averaged 37.79 batting with a best of 109 and 14.12 bowling with a best of 5-37. Knocked three half-centuries as well as took three or more wickets on five occasions.

Daniel Salpietro of Airport West St Christophers.

Daniel Salpietro, Airport West St Christophers, VTCA

Another superb season for the reigning Division 1 league best-and-fairest but sadly an early end with Airport West St Christophers missing finals. Salpietro racked up 597 runs at an average of 59.70, including a pair of centuries and a top score of 141 not out. Took 13 wickets as well.

Chanaka Sampath, Heatherton, Cricket Southern Bayside

Had a great time of it in Division 3, accumulating 513 runs at 42.75 and taking 24 wickets at 13.46.

Peter Sankey, Gisborne Club Grade XI, GDCA

The Sankey name is legendary in Gisborne and Peter added another chapter this season with a dominant campaign in the Dragons’ Club Grade side – otherwise known as the Eighth XI. Nevertheless, he hit 570 runs at 114, with three centuries. Hit a fourth century in his one and only appearance in the Club Grade North side.

Ankush Singal, Victorian Vikings, Dandenong District CA

A hand of 168 hauled the opener to 491 runs at 40.9 in A grade (and he made a few in the Victorian Sunday Cricket Association too).

Satheesh Sivakumaran, East Coburg, VTCA

One of only two players to feature in the top-10 for run and wickets in the VTCA Division 5 this season along with Jarrod Eccles. Sivakumaran finished seventh overall in both categories thanks to 312 runs at 26.00 and 20 wickets at 13.65.

Jackson Slater, Flemington Colts, Mercantile CA

Jackson Slater? He was more like Michael Slater as he peeled off 637 runs at 63.7 in A Reserve, with a highest score of 147.

Jackson Slater of Flemington Colts.

Jeff Smit, Hallam Kalora Park, Dandenong District CA

Smit played D grade this season and he earned an A grade for his batsmanship, which brought him 559 runs at 50.8.

Chris Smith, Pakenham, West Gippsland CA

The Lions opener is Mr Consistent, compiling 515 runs at 57.22, with a best of 101no. Also scored a 96.

Andy Solomons, South Warrandyte Hawks, Ringwood District CA

The top-order Hawk led the RDCA’s Stuart Newey Plate for runs with 575 at an average of 57.50, including five half-centuries – and 42 fours and 29 sixes. He’s also lit it up with the ball, taking 21 wickets at 13.52, and a best of 3-17.

Michael Sparks, Trinity Willison, Eastern CA

Sparks scored 622 runs in the Macgibbon Shield season at 62.2 from 13 innings with his best a 117 not out effort. He also took 24 wickets at 14.33.

Prince Singh, Mitcham, Box Hill Reporter CA

Two tons and three half-centuries have told the tale of the boom recruit’s first season with the Tigers, driving 612 runs (averaging 47.08) from the top order across 14 matches. He started with a bang against Wyclif in Round 2 with 115 before cracking triple digits again later in the season against Koonung Heights with 108 in the Howard Wilson Shield.

Satnam Singh, Mitcham, Box Hill Reporter CA

Where do we begin with the all-rounder’s sizzling summer? He’s blitzed the Howard Wilson Shield with a leading 753 runs at 57.92, with a highest score of 179 among two tons and five half-centuries. He’s found a lot of the boundary with 65 fours and 43 sixes across his 15 appearances for the Tigers – but that’s not all. He’s also been damaging with ball in hand, claiming 20 wickets (ranked eighth in the comp) with an average of 13.30 and a best of 4-23.

David Smyth, Eildon Park, Ferntree Gully District CA

A major contributor to Eildon Park’s finals berth in the RJ DeCoite Shield, knocking 600 runs (ranked first) at an average of 46.15, with two centuries and four half-centuries. Terrorised Knox Gardens with 120 early on which peaked his season, before returning to triple figures late in the campaign with 113.

Sahil Suri, Lalor Warriors, NMCA

A pair of centuries – 108 not out against Darebin Northern Riders and 102 not out against Preston Baseballers – plus another 95 against Strathewen helped Suri finish runner-up in the NMCA Kelly Shield run-scorers race. He returned 585 runs at an average of 73.13.

Peter Sweeney, Cranbourne, Dandenong District CA

A First XI premiership with Dandenong in Premier Cricket, Sweeney won the Turf 2 medal for his 474 runs at 79.0 and 24 wickets at 9.5.

Peter Sweeney of Cranbourne.

Jack Taylor, Surrey Hills, Eastern CA

Unsurprisingly the Surrey Hills captain and English County batsman was a standout player in the Wright Shield after finishing the season with 471 runs at 52.33 and 23 wickets at 10.65.

Jackson Taylor, Heatherdale, Box Hill Reporter District CA

Leader of the BHRDCA’s D-Grade competition with 31 wickets at an average of 12.39 and a best of 4-9, he’s had some season with the ball. Claimed more than three wickets on seven occasions and had hauls of four in four matches across his 98 overs. Hasn’t had much time with the bat, but his limited exposure here was highlighted by a knock of 49.

Vishalbir Thind, Brighton Union, South East CA

Union’s gun recruit failed to fire at times, recording three ducks. But he still managed to blast 555 runs at 69.4 in Longmuir Shield.

Mahela Udawatte, Buckley Ridges, Dandenong District CA

The former Sri Lankan international could count five half-centuries and a top score of 98 in his haul of 547 runs at 45.6. Has a finals series to come for the Bucks.

Mark Unternahrer, Kilsyth, Ringwood District CA

Led the way in the RDCA’s Pat Meehan Shield for wickets with 30 to his name, at an average of 9.63. Hauled in three or more wickets on six occasions, including three bags of four, with a best of 4-21. He’s also contributed nicely with the bat knocking 205 runs, highlighted by 57 against Warranwood.

Chirath Uralagamage, Berwick Strikers, Dandenong District CA

What a season from the Strikers opener; he put away 758 runs at 75.8, with two centuries (124no, 118no) and six 50s. Joined the Berwick club from Murrumbeena, where he played in turf teams.

Bryan Vance, Wallan, GDCA

The No. 1 batter in the GDCA’s top flight this season, a fantastic achievement given Wallan only won promotion thanks to a competition restructure this season. Vance took full advantage, hitting 469 runs at 42.64 and scoring one ton and four 50s. The Magpies will play finals thanks largely to his prowess.

Peter Verechia, Blackburn North United, Eastern CA

Despite not scoring a B Synthetic century, Verechia did go on to score 610 runs at 67.78 with a highest score of 97.

Kylie Walters, Langwarrin, Mornington Peninsula CA

Took the new MPCA Women’s comp by storm, cracking the first century, 104no, and a total of 401 runs at 133.67 to lead the Kangaroos to a stirring premiership.

Nathan Walsh, Lysterfield, Ferntree Gully District CA

The Beavers’ opener has spearheaded his side to a shot at a fourth consecutive FTGDCA top-flight title with his 763 runs, averaging 69.36. He leads the Norm Reeves Shield with his haul, highlighted by 122 not-out among three centuries this campaign and four 50s. Could top it all off with another flag next weekend.

Hashan Wanasekara, Deer Park, VTCA

Deer Park completed an undefeated season in VTCA Division 1 and it was largely on the back of Wanasekara’s batting prowess. Racked up 614 runs – almost 300 runs more than his previous best – and an average of 55.82, scoring one ton and six half-centuries.

Heshan Wanniarchchige, Vermont South, Box Hill Reporter CA

Was a key part of Vermont South’s finals push this season, with 535 runs (45 fours, one six) to be ranked second overall in the BHRDCA’s top-flight as he averaged 48.64. He was also menacing with the ball, grabbing 20 wickets at 17.55 and a best of 4-30. Only went two matches without a scalp to his name, such was his reliability across 13 appearances.

George Waring, East Malvern Tooronga, Eastern CA

Waring’s 571 runs for the A Turf season included an outstanding 183-run performance which helped push his season average to 47.58.

Justin White, Olympic Colts, NMCA

Not just a dominant force on the football field, a dominant force on the cricket pitch as well. White was at the forefront for Olympic Colts this season with 429 runs at 53.63, including 102 against Fiji Victorian, and 21 wickets at 12.81. Good enough for second and third overall respectively, the only man in the top-10 for both runs and wickets in Quick Shield.

Luke Whitehouse, Blackwood, GDCA

Only featured in 10 games for Blackwood this season in the GDCA’s third-tier Jensen Shield but delivered the goods. Whitehouse smashed 686 runs at an average of 68.60 in those appearances, scoring a pair of centuries and a high score of 192 against Diggers Rest Bulla. Picked up 12 wickets too.

Lincoln Wong, Templeton, Ringwood District CA

Just as handy with a cricket bat as he is at finding the footy in the Eastern league, Wong has belted 70 fours and 20 sixes on the path to 556 runs at an average of 42.77. His knock of 126 against Wonga Park stands out, but he’s also been close to the ton on other occasions, when he hit 84 and 88 respectively across rounds 12 and 13.