Sunbury United’s Damien Edwards wins the GDCA Sullivan Medal

A dominant season with the bat has delivered Sunbury United’s Damien Edwards a “surreal” GDCA Sullivan Medal victory. See the Team of the Year here.

Sunbury United run-machine Damien Edwards has been crowned the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s Sullivan Medallist.

The Bees opener held off a star-studded field, claiming the medal by just one vote ahead of Bacchus Marsh’s Nick Strangio, and named captain of the Team of the Year.

Gisborne premiership pair Mick Allen and Pat McKenna and McIntyre Shield leading run-scorer, Wallan’s Bryan Vance, were a vote further back.

Edwards’ form with the bat was a major factor in United’s undefeated home-and-away campaign as he knocked up 401 runs at an average of 57.29 – ranked third in the competition.

The Bees junior scored his maiden McIntyre Shield century against Diggers Rest Bulla and also took five wickets, including 3-26 in the final round against the Dragons.

Damien Edwards in action for Sunbury United.

Edwards said it was “surreal” to see his name on top of the leaderboard at the end of the night.

“I didn’t expect it but got a good start and held on,” he said.

“I thought I’d go OK, but no, nothing like winning it, maybe top five at best.

“Having a chance at the top of the order is the place to bat in one-day cricket and bowling wise, I know my limitations, so I don’t try to do anything too special.

“Personally, it was probably the best season I’ve had as a senior cricketer.”

Sunbury United’s dominant season came to a crashing end in the finals, bowing out in straight sets with losses to Bacchus Marsh and Gisborne.

However, the club’s season was recognised with four players named in the Team of the Year.

Edwards, McIntyre Shield leading wicket-taker Senura Perera (23 wickets at 10.25), Sammika Perera and Rajitha Mendis were all included.

Sunbury United’s Sammika Perera appeals for a run out. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I owe a lot to Upie (Upul Fernando), our coach, he’s shown a lot of faith in me and believed in me a lot,” Edwards said.

“I’m very grateful for all the opportunities he’s given me.

“We did everything right through the home-and-away stuff but it unravelled a bit in finals, but that’s the game.

“We almost needed to lose a game, I felt, during the season and it might have changed things for us but we just came up against a couple of teams that were too good for us on the day.

“I think we can be very proud of the season, it’s very difficult to go through a home-and-away season undefeated.”

Edwards gives United back-to-back Sullivan Medals following Dilan Chandima’s victory last season.

Meanwhile, Gisborne premiership captain Jason Wilson claimed the McIntyre Shield batting award, scoring 382 runs at an average of 63.67 to pip his teammate Mick Allen who won the all-rounder aggregate with 588 points.

Wilson, Allen and McKenna gained selection in the Team of the Year.

Wallan had two players honoured, Vance and Ryan Bonner, while Bacchus Marsh, Diggers Rest Bulla and grand finalist Romsey had one each.

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Woodend was awarded the Spirit of Cricket Award and Sunbury United’s Ron Smith bestowed GDCA life membership.

Riddell’s Michael Day (324 runs at 54.00) and Jarryd Stancombe (22 wickets at 10.95) took home the Johnstone Shield batting and bowling awards while Kyneton’s Harrison Sheahan was the top all-rounder with 497 points.

Lancefield’s Mark Caton (331 runs at 110.33) was the top batter in Jensen Shield and St Anthony’s David Szabo (21 wickets at 12.57) the top bowler with Luke Whitehouse topping the aggregate with 826 points.

In the GDCA Women’s competition, Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford (193 runs at 64.33), Lancefield’s Beth Richardt (11 wickets at 8.73) and Kim Bessell of Darley (463 points) were the award winners.