The count to determine who would be the winner of Gisborne District Cricket Association’s prestigious Sullivan Medal for the best player in McIntyre Cup in the 2021-2022 season went right down the wire.
In a tough season interrupted by COVID restrictions and washouts, it took 14 votes to win the medal in what was one of the closest finishes ever.
The eventual winner was 32-year-old Sunbury United opening batter Damien Edwards, who has been a loyal servant of the club since his junior days apart from playing four with Lymington, near Southampton, in his early 20s.
Ironically, United won four McIntyre premierships while he was overseas, and Edwards has sights firmly set on being part of a flag-winning side.
“Most importantly, he respects the game of cricket,” stated GDCA life member Kevin Sullivan in presenting the medal.
Sullivan said it was a fantastic experience for young cricketers to head overseas and try their luck.
Edwards scored over 400 runs with a top score of 103 this season, and also proved a useful bowler. He credits United coach Upul Fernando for rejuvenating his interest.
An instrument technician who works at Sunshine Hospital, he said he had not expected to win the medal and join such an illustrious list of previous winners.
Dynamic all-rounder Dilan Chaminda won the medal with United the previous season.
Runner-up on 13 votes was Bacchus Marsh all-rounder Nick Strangio, with Gisborne supremo Mick Allen, Wallan’s Bryan Vance and Gisborne’s highly talented Pat McKenna, who missed several games for the Dragons equal third on 12 votes.
The presentation night was held at Club Sunbury (Sunbury Bowling Club), with GDCA president Rob McIntyre pointing out the association in now third behind Mornington and Geelong as the largest country cricket body in Victoria.
Club South: Matthew Anderson (Sun. United) 198 @ 198; Brayden Hort 16 @ 6.94; Peter Sankey (Gisborne) 570.
