It was no surprise to see Gisborne cricketers Riley Vernon and Brianna Woodburn take out the top individual awards in the GDCA for 2024-25 season.
The 24-year-old Vernon joins his older brother and Dragons’ captain-coach, Jarryd Vernon, as a McIntyre Cup Sullivan Medal winner.
And the 25-year-old Woodburn went through the women’s season being dismissed just once, scoring 745 runs at a 745.0 average. Simply mind boggling for those interested in cricket statistics.
Gisborne Cricket Club is justly proud of these two exceptional players. Riley Vernon is off to England for a second time, coaching and playing the game he loves.
The GDCA’s presentation night was held at Sunbury Bowling Club last week, with president Simon Ovenden and secretary Callum Jackman ensuring proceedings ran smoothly.
GDCA Legend Kevin Sullivan was there once again to present the medal, and Riley Vernon was the logical favourite with his swag of runs (912 @ 65.14, plus 25 wickets).
Gisborne won the McIntyre Cup for the second season in a row, and the club has had plenty to celebrate.
“Work hard and enjoy your cricket” probably sums up the ethos of Riley, and also Brianna Woodman, who is captain-coach of Gisborne women’s team that reached the finals.
Presenting the medal, Sullivan reflected he could recall playing against the Vernon’s grandfather, Rob Rymer.
He wished Riley well in his cricketing future, with the medal winner saying he hoped to be a part of more premiership sides at Gisborne in the future.
Riley admitted he had thought his brother was a big chance of a second medal until he was injured while fielding, missing three matches.
The winner finished with 21 votes, seven more than Woodend captain Marcus Stewart.
Jarryd Vernon and Romsey captain-coach Ben Way finished on 13, with Gareth Sharp (Broadford) and Matthew Twentyman (Rupertswood) on 12.
CLOSE COUNT
The women’s Most Valuable Cricketer count was close, with Woodburn receiving 30 votes, two clear of Wallan star Megan Farrell, with Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford third on 26.
Lancefield Black’s Natalie Jeffrey was fourth on 19, one clear of dual winner Kim Bessell (Darley).
Taylah Logie (Kilmore) and Brooke Jeffrey (Lancefield Yellow) both polled 13 votes.
A fine stroke player who made a century during the season (hard to do with compulsory retirement rules) Woodburn feels the responsibility of coaching this season helped improve her own game.
The extraordinary batting average was also aided by some butter-finger fielders.
Woodburn enjoys working as a programs manager at Camp Sunnystones near Bacchus Marsh.
She also enjoys football, playing for the strong Macedon women’s side, which won easily against Riddell on Saturday evening.
