The season was a very competitive one with five teams fighting it out for the top four spots in A Grade, which was only finalised after the last round of the regular competition.

B Grade was just as hotly fought, with only one team set to miss out on finals - it wasn’t until the second last game that Murrurundi were mathematically ruled out.

A club spokesperson offered a massive congratulations to all those that organised teams for matches throughout the season, particularly to the Bushrangers who made it to the B Grade final at their first year in the competition.

The season discovered some new players and rediscovered some old ones as well as showing that age is only a number.

The strength of the competition was also reflected in the representative team’s performance, going through undefeated in the round stages of the John Bull Shield and earning the right to host the final.

Unfortunately, the old adage of ‘catches win matches’ was tested in the final with the team falling short and rueing the missed opportunities, hopefully something to build on for next year.

“A massive thankyou to Mick Smith who took on the massive task in managing the team and making sure they had everything they needed for games,” the club spokesperson said. 

“Similarly, to Mick Davidson and Tom Wilson, as selectors they had some tough decisions to make throughout the years with players unavailable and a number pushing for selection showing great form with the bat and ball.

“Also to Nate Atkinson, who captained the side and helped the selectors when they reached a stalemate.

“Finally, a massive thankyou to the pitch curators, without you there would be nowhere for games to be played, and to all the officials that umpired throughout the season you make it much easier and provide consistency with decisions.”

There were a number milestones throughout the year such as Greg Sheehan (Merriwa) scoring a massive 164 in a match, which most sides would be happy with.

Ben Crowe (Murrurundi) scoring 141 with the help of youngster Jake Chapple combing for a 109 run partnership and a team total of 187.

Mick Soper (Bulls) showed his skill with the ball taking 7/30 in a match against the Bushrangers.

Some firsts as well for Jake Teague (Bushrangers) 134, Brad McCosker (Belltrees) 126*, Ricky Lawrence (Bulls) 114* and Ben Crackett (Bulls) 106 all raising the bat for their maiden hundreds.

Robert Ryan was recognised by the association for his many years of service as a player and administrator, as well as the now 30 years’ service as curator.

“His dedication and commitment to cricket in the Upper Hunter is a credit to him and greatly appreciated by all those involved in the game in our region,” a club spokesperson said.

“His tendency to go above and beyond the call of duty, particularly for representative fixtures, is extremely valued.

“The Junior Association also values the work he has done for them and ensuring there are always enough pitches ready for all the games.

“The assistance and guidance he provided in the preparation of the new Murrurundi turf was also greatly appreciated.”

A Grade Batting Aggregate:

1 - Ben Crowe 712

2 - Greg Sheehan 663

3 - Broque Smith 577

4 - Jake Teague 469

A Grade Batting Average:

1 - Greg Sheehan 66.30

2 - Josh Noble 62

3 - Ben Crowe 59.33

4 - Broque Smith 57.70

Hundreds:

Greg Sheehan (164 & 109), Ben Crowe (141), Jake Teague (134), Brad McCosker (126*), Broque Smith (123* & 100*), Ricky Lawrence (114*), Josh Noble (107), Nate Atkinson (106) and Ben Crackett (106)

A Grade Bowling Aggregate:

1 – Gavin Newton-Smith 29

2 - Hayden Quinlivan 27

3 - Greg Sheehan 26

4 - Jeremy Smith 25

A Grade Bowling Average (15 wickets Minimum)

1 – Neville Blackaddder 10.48

2 - Mick Soper 10.86

3 - Hayden Quinlivan 10.96

4 - Greg Sheehan 11.12

4 - Darren Crowther 11.12

5 Wicket Innings:

Mick Soper (7/30), Neville Blackadder (6/18), Brandon Parkinson (6/27), Brodie Black (5/11), Hayden Quinlivan (5/13 & 5/19), Brad Strachan (5/13), Brett Hails (5/23), Simon Parkinson (5/24), David Munro (5/25), Gavin Newton-Smith (5/27) and Charlie Stoke (5/31).

A Grade Player of the Year:

1 - Greg Sheehan 24

2 - Broque Smith 16

3 - Hayden Quinlivan 14

4 - Brad Strachan 10

A Grade All Rounder:

1 - Greg Sheehan 663 & 26

2 - Hayden Quinlivan 438 & 27

3 - Jake Teague 469 & 24

4 - Jeremy Smith 418 & 25

U21 Player of the Year:

Jeremy Smith

A Grade Premiers:

Aberdeen 1 – Brandon Parkinson

B Grade Premiers:

Belmore Bulls – Thomas Wilson

The most prestigious award for the evening is called the ‘musocovy’ which is given to the player with the most ducks for the year.

The only proviso is they player must be present to accept the trophy, with that being said Liam Moore (Bushrangers) was the lucky man to receive it with a total of four ducks.