Victorian Country Cricket League names its 2020-21 team of the year
A batsman with five centuries last summer, a paceman from Bairnsdale and a gun leg-spinner have been named in the VCCL team of the year.
The Victorian Country Cricket League has selected a team of the year for the past decade.
This year’s side could be the best yet, according to VCCL chairman of selectors Rob McIntyre.
“It’s probably one of the better ones because of the higher stats, I suppose,” he said.
“Certainly the quality of the batting is fantastic.”
Former South Australian Shield batsman Sam Miller was named captain of the VCCL side after scoring more than 1000 runs for Wendouree in the Ballarat association last season.
East Belmont star Sean O’Neill’s golden summer, in which he peeled off five centuries, was rewarded with selection.
Also named was Ricky Tatnell, a fast bowler from the Bairnsdale competition who took 45 wickets for his club, St Mary’s Nagle, last season.
Langwarrin leg-spinner Matt Prosser was included after a prolific 41 wicket season.
The VCCL considered 96 players for the team.
Six members of this season’s team have been selected in previous VCCL Teams of the Year – Sean O’Neill, Dale Kerr, Cameron Wheeler, Joshua White, Jacob Smith and Rhys Webb.
Members of the 2020-21 VCCL team will be acknowledged with a plaque and cap presentation at the league’s annual general meeting in early August.
The team:
Sam Miller (captain), Wendouree, Ballarat Cricket Association
The left-handed opener scored over 1000 runs (including finals) last season. Originally from Wendouree, he was picked up by the Canberra Comets and played three Shield games for South Australia in 2012. Named as captain of the VCCL side.
Sean O’Neill, East Belmont, Geelong Cricket Association
The run machine plundered 966 runs at a touch under 70 for the Lions last season, including five centuries. Regarded as one of the greatest GCA batsmen of all time.
Rhys Webb, Spring Gully, Emu Valley Cricket Association
Originally played in the Sunraysia competition, he’s been a star player at Spring Gully for the past five seasons. Hammered three centuries, 140no, 114no and 115, on his way to over 800 runs last season.
Jordan Gilmore, Ex Students, Traralgon and District Cricket Association
A wicketkeeper-batsman who represented Victoria Country at the national titles as an underage player. Concentrated on his batting in recent times and flourished, cracking three centuries for his club last season. Also blasted 72no in a VCCL trial game.
Joshua White, Golden Point, Ballarat Cricket Association
Has been one of the leading players in the Ballarat competition for a number of years, bats at number three for his club and has captained Golden Point for almost a decade, including flag success.
Grant Waldron, Strathdale-Maristians, Bendigo District Cricket Association
The accomplished top-order batsman peeled off 594 runs to help his side win the BDCA flag last season.
Ricky Tatnell, St Mary’s Nagle, Bairnsdale Cricket Association
The paceman had a season to remember, grabbing 45 wickets, including hauls of 8-23 and 7-17. He also scored his maiden century.
Jacob Smith, Mt Clear, Ballarat Cricket Association
Champion wicketkeeper-batsman who enjoyed a stellar season as coach of Mt Clear, collecting 45 dismissals and making 374 runs.
Dale Kerr (vice captain), Anglesea, Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association
The champion all-rounder maintained his high standards, snaring 37 wickets at an astonishing average of 5.92 for the Roos.
Cameron Wheeler, Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association
The paceman earns his third selection in the VCCL team after an excellent season that yielded 40 wicket and 393 runs. Has played Vic Country as an underage player and been a dominant fast bowler in the FGDCA for many years.
Matthew Petherick, Russells Creek, Warrnambool
The medium pacer caused plenty of headaches for opposition batsmen last season, taking 41 wickets to help Russells Creek claim the flag. Throw in a hat-trick and it was a memorable season.
Matthew Prosser, Langwarrin, Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association
The 26-year-old leg-spinner earns his first VCCL team of the year selection after capturing 41 wickets last season as well as making over 300 runs with the bat. He played two games with Premier Cricket club Frankston Peninsula at the end of the season.
The stats:
Sam Miller (Capt.) Ballarat 934 runs @ 71.85 9 wkts @ 28.33
Sean O’Neill Geelong 831 runs @ 69.25
Rhys Webb Emu Valley 758 runs @ 84.22 21 wkts @ 9.29
Jordan Gilmore Traralgon 683 runs @ 97.57
Joshua White Ballarat 728 runs @ 66.18 1 wkt @ 32.00
Grant Waldron Bendigo 592 runs @ 65.78
Ricky Tatnell Bairnsdale 353 runs @ 35.30 45 wkts @ 9.82
Jacob Smith Ballarat 25c/16st = 41 dismissals 374 runs @ 31.17
Dale Kerr (v.c.) Bellarine Peninsula 37 wkts @ 5.92 203 runs @ 20.30
Cameron Wheeler Ferntree Gully 40 wkts @ 8.60 393 runs @ 35.73
Matthew Petherick Warrnambool 41 wkts @ 9.27 43 runs @ 8.60
Matthew Prosser Mornington Peninsula 37 wkts @ 7.29 301 runs @ 31.10
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Originally published as Victorian Country Cricket League names its 2020-21 team of the year
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