Sunbury United’s Dilan Chandima wins 2020-21 GDCA Sullivan Medal

After smashing almost 750 runs in just nine matches, it was no surprise when Sunbury United star Dilan Chandima was crowned the GDCA Sullivan Medallist.

Dilan Chandima in action for Sunbury United.

Sunbury United star Dilan Chandima capped a brilliant individual season on Wednesday night with the GDCA Sullivan Medal.

The Bees run-machine was crowned the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s champion player with 19 votes, three ahead of reigning medallist Mick Allen of Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh star James Lidgett.

Chandima was a short-priced favourite heading into the count after a stunning home-and-away campaign that saw him amass 749 runs at an astonishing average of 149.80 and take 14 wickets at 15.57.

He added another century in the semi-final but fell for just six in the grand final.

The opening batsman scored five centuries – four unbeaten – to inspire Sunbury United to the McIntyre Shield decider where it fell to Bacchus Marsh.

Dilan Chandima in action for Sunbury United.

Chandima said it was an honour to win the Sullivan Medal but his only goal this season had been the premiership.

“It was a really good season, I didn’t expect it to even happen because of COVID,” he said.

“In the middle of the season I made three centuries in four games and my teammates were telling me I was going to win the medal.

“After losing the semi-final last season I just really worked hard to help the team win a premiership.

“It didn’t go well in the grand final but we lost the semi last year and we lost the granny this year, so I told the boys after the game we’ll be back next season and win it.”

Chandima was also named captain of the McIntyre Shield Team of the Year, surprisingly Sunbury United’s only player included.

Premier Bacchus Marsh had four inclusions – James Lidgett, Alex Porter, Jared Taylor and Ian Spiteri – the most of any club.

Chandima had signed to play in Avondale Heights’ return to the VTCA before the season started but was happy to return to the Bees when the venture collapsed.

“I was supposed to captain Avondale Heights because one of friends was going to be president,” he said.

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“Things didn’t work out so I had to make a decision and I took two friends from Sri Lanka back to Sunbury with me.

“This is my second season in the GDCA and it’s a really good competition with some really strong players in the McIntyre Shield.

“I really enjoy the GDCA because of the culture of cricket and everyone being very friendly, it helps me to perform really well.”

Bacchus Marsh claimed the McIntyre Shield and Johnstone Shield premierships to stamp itself as the dominant force in the GDCA.