The MDP vote count was the closest ever, with Chris Shaw taking an early lead. Joel McMahon clawed his way back into contention in later games, eventually winning by a margin of just two votes. The Horse's Arse Award was presented to Troy Nicholson, after Ashley Spencer failed to attend the dinner for the second year in a row.
Hutt River Dedication took out third place in the Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships B-grade this year, finishing the tournament with two wins and a tie from five games in Dedication's most successful tournament ever. Joel McMahon missed out on the player of the carnival award by just one vote.
The MDP vote count was the closest ever, with Chris Shaw taking an early lead. Joel McMahon clawed his way back into contention in later games, eventually winning by a margin of just two votes. The Horse's Arse Award was presented to Troy Nicholson, after Ashley Spencer failed to attend the dinner for the second year in a row.
0 Comments
All rounder Chris Shaw has shot to favouritism for the Darren Scarborough MDP Award, after starring with bat and ball in Dedication's first two games. After three games, Shaw has made 45 runs at an average of 45, and taken 8 wickets at an average of 4. Shaw's eight wickets is already equal to Cameron Roberts' record for wickets in a tournament, and with two games still to go, Shaw looks sure to break that record. Pre-tournament MDP favourite Joel McMahon didn't start well, and would not be expected to poll strongly in the first two games. A commanding innings in game 3, however, has lifted McMahon back into contention for the award.
With the conclusion yesterday of the pre-christmas portion of the Sunraysia Cricket Association season, the Hutt River Dedication squad trained together today for the first time for the 2008 season. Attendance at the session was generally good, with one notable absentee in Chris Shaw. New recruit Adam Nicholson was impressive with the willow, confirming for many fans the speculation that Nicholson would open the batting with Jarryd Mills in the first game. Also impressive was the other Nicholson, Troy, who is returning to Dedication after a year off. His uncanny ability to play Joel McMahon's devious wronguns had many fans salivating over the damage Troy will do to opposition bowling attacks. All in all, the skills on display at today's session justified some of the controversial decisions made by Dedication selectors in recent times.
Dedication this morning announced the decision to bring former player Kyle Moore back to the club. Moore played for Dedication in 2006, before defecting to the Halls Enforcers in 2007 in a move that angered many fans. With the folding of that team after just one year in the competition, Moore's career appeared to be coming to an end until Dedication chose to throw him a lifeline. "We felt he deserved another chance" said Dedication captain Geoff Pascoe today, "Now it's up to him to show everyone that he has the Dedication required to play for Hutt River." With many fans still angry about Moore's defection last year, he could be in for a steely reception at his first game. Moore will replace Jarryd Mills in the team for the final day of the carnival.
Dedication officials today announced the renaming of the Most Dedicated Player (MDP) award. The MDP is presented annually to the player judged by his peers to be the best in the team. From this year, the award is to be known as the Darren Scarborough MDP award, in honour of the great man from Kangarilla. Scarby could not be contacted for comment today, but reigning MDP winner Joel McMahon said the renaming added new meaning to the award. "I was getting a bit bored winning it all the time to be honest," said McMahon today, "but this changes things completely. To win an award with Scarby's name on it... well it would be the realisation of a lifelong dream."
Months of speculation were put to an end today with confirmation that Glen Stephen will be representing Hutt River Dedication on the first day of Willowfest 2008. Announcing the news at a press conference this morning, Dedication captain Geoff Pascoe said he was very excited to bring such a high profile cricketer to the red and white. Stephen said he was convinced to play due to Dedication's growing profile as a team to be reckoned with, and is looking forward to participating in the club's most successful Willowfest yet.
Stephen's recruitment has not made all happy however, with several Dedication fans grumbling about how the club has 'sold out.' Longtime fan Warren Sparkes was quoted as saying "The Dedication administrators have lost sight of what has made this club great. We need to nurture our own players, not buy high profile players from other clubs." Dedication officials refused to comment on how much the transfer deal was worth. Rumours are growing in the Dedication camp that founding member Jarryd Mills may not be playing all of Willowfest this year. Several anonymous reports have suggested that Mills has had a falling out with star wicketkeeper Tyler Hankinson, and Dedication administrators are nervous about the tension that could be created within the team. "Barber and Sluiter already create enough animosity within the playing group," said one selector today, "we don't need any more disagreements." Speculation about who might replace Mills is running rampant amongst fans, with the consensus seeming to firm on former Mildura East player Matt Barclay. Ironically, Mills has been pushing for Barclay's inclusion in the squad, and could end up being replaced by him.
|
Archives
December 2016
Categories |