Bryson Lush and Wade Hancock in Innes Medal tie

WORKERS Gol Gol’s Wade Hancock and Irymple’s Bryson Lush have tied for this year’s Innes Medal for the best player in the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA).

In a dramatic count, Lush and Hancock could not be separated, both polling 19 votes at the completion of the 18- vote count.

After 15 rounds it was Hancock who led on 19 votes, two clear of Nichols Point’s Brad Thomas on 17.

But Hancock and Thomas did not poll in the final three rounds, while Lush received two and three votes respectively in rounds 16 and 17 to join Hancock at the top of the leaderboard.

Hancock and Lush enjoyed outstanding seasons for their respective clubs. Lush making 540 runs at an average of 38.57 and also taking 20 wickets, while Hancock scored 715 at 59.58.

Last night’s count was a first for the SCA with the event live-streamed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially postponed, this year’s Innes Medal was a sombre affair with no one in attendance because of the strict, new Government laws surrounding social gatherings.

But despite the unusual circumstances, the SCA was still able to deliver a great event with Hancock and Lush proving popular winners.

Hancock capped off a great night, also winning the batting average, while Mildura Settlers’ right-arm orthodox bowler Richie Wyld won the bowling average.

Wyld took 38 wickets at an average of 13.13, Mildura West’s Aaron Feroz was runner-up,taking 37 wickets at 14.62.

The SCA Team of the Year was also announced with Mildura Settlers’ Braidyn Turner named captain and wicket keeper.

Veteran Merbein South paceman Shane Trinick was rewarded for another outstanding season, named as one of the main strike bowlers.

Mildura East opening bowler Jayden Hunt was also included in the side as was Mildura West opening batsman Ben Hallam, who enjoyed a breakout season, scoring more than 500 runs.

Other players to make this year’s side were Wyld (Mildura Settlets), Hancock (Workers Gol Gol), Lush (Irymple), Thomas (Nichols Point), Kaushik Aphale (Nichols Point), Jake Albrecht (Workers Gol Gol) and Feroz (Mildura West).