AT the halfway mark of the Sunraysia Cricket Association season, MITCH RODD takes a look at the top 10 in the MGA QBE Insurance Champion Player stats.
1. Shacaya Thomas (Gol Gol)
Matches: 8 Runs: 391 HS: 105 Wickets: 19 BB: 4/14 CP Points: 721
When you’re the leading run scorer and wicket taker in the competition, there’s no way you’re not topping this list.
The Jamaican all-rounder hasn’t hit triple figures as often this season, but there’s rarely been a bad game from the Gol Gol opener.
One century, three half-centuries and four innings with at least three wickets proves just how consistent the 2020/21 Innes Medal winner has been.
2. Chris Williams (Mildura West)
Matches: 7 Runs: 273 HS: 107 Wickets: 12 BB: 7/19 CP Points: 503Was in second place leading into the final round of 2022, and his opening century of the campaign confirmed it.
The three-time Innes Medal winner has been one of the leading all-rounders in the competition for years, and continues to lead the way for West.
He currently sits fifth in the run scoring table and in the top 10 for wickets, scoring 107 in the final match before Christmas.
3. Shaun Mathews (Nichols Point)
Matches: 7 Runs: 162 HS: 52 Wickets: 15 BB: 6/46 CP Points: 422
The reigning Innes Medal winner has been a measure of consistency for a Nichols Point side in a strong position for their first finals appearance.
Just two scores below 20 for the all-rounder proves how important he is at the top of the order, but some extra help in the batting order has meant less pressure on Mathews.
Wickets in every game also proves how dangerous he can be with the ball.
4. Luke Coates (Nichols Point)
Matches: 6 Runs: 89 HS: 46 Wickets: 15 BB: 7/19 CP Points: 384
The new Nichols Point coach has missed a couple of games but his bowling efforts have been vital in his team’s climb up the ladder.
A career-best haul of 7/19 for the speedster against Coomealla Wentworth proved he is still one of the premier fast bowlers in the competition.
Coates is likely to miss some games early in 2023. He and his partner are expecting their first child in January.
5. Shane Driscoll (Mildura West)
Matches: 8 Runs: 62 HS: 25 Wickets: 14 BB: 6/24 CP Points: 372
The Mildura West veteran continues to churn out the wickets for the boys in green and white.
Of his 14 wickets, 13 have come in the last four completed matches, including his best First Division haul of 6/24, according to MyCricket’s records.
Has been required to add some lower order runs with West’s top order having an inconsistent season.
6. Wade Hancock (Gol Gol)
Matches: 6 Runs: 321 HS: 154* CP Points: 351
Following a delayed start to his campaign, Hancock has been on fire at number three for the ladder leaders.
The left-hander has scored 239 runs in his past two innings without being dismissed, including the second time he has passed 150 in his SCA career.
He has a division-high average of 107 and will play a vital role in the club’s chase for a first flag since 2011/12.
7. Shannon Bowen (Nichols Point)
Matches: 7 Runs: 332 HS: 118 CP Points: 347
Arguably the recruit of the year, Bowen has been an outstanding addition to the Pointers’ middle order.
The man who has over 10,000 runs in the RCCA to his name is second only behind Thomas in the scoring table this season with a ton and two half-centuries to his name.
The humble Bowen hasn’t bowled often so far but can be an extra weapon if required as Nichols Point target a top four finish.
8. Aidan Calarco (Gol Gol)
Matches: 7 Runs: 324 HS: 114 Wickets: 1 BB: 1/5 CP Points: 344
Calarco has had a superb return to cricket following two years away from the game.
At the top of the order, the dashing batsman sits third overall in the runs table with two 50s and a maiden first division century under his belt.
The 27-year-old credited a change in mindset for his success, focusing on spending more time at the crease and it’s certainly been working.
9. Ryan Muir (Irymple)
Matches: 8 Runs: 53 HS: 31 Wickets: 16 BB: 4/13 CP Points: 338
Following three seasons of almost exclusively Second Division cricket, Ryan Muir has been the leader of Irymple’s bowling unit this campaign.
The 37-year-old sits only behind Thomas in total wickets with 16, taking at least three scalps on three occasions.
As part of a deep bowling unit the Swallows have at their disposal, Muir has been front and centre for the second-placed side.
10. Mark Thomson (Irymple)
Matches: 7 Runs: 232 HS: 90 Wickets: 5 BB: 3/21 CP Points: 337
The Swallows skipper rarely plays a bad game and is always contributing with the bat or ball.
While he has just the five wickets so far this season, Thomson has the third best economy rate for any bowler with at least 50 overs under their belt.
He is also seventh on the runs tally with a best score of 90, being cruelly denied his maiden SCA century after rain intervened.
Players 11 to 20: 11 – Bevan Wade (Coomealla Wentworth), 12 – Jarrad Armsden (Irymple), 13 – Nafis Shaikh (Coomealla Wentworth), 14 – Liam Freeman (Coomealla Wentworth), 15 – Harvey Ault (Mildura Settlers), 16 – Brad Purdue (Mildura Settlers), 17 – Charlie Walker (Mildura West), 18 – Andrew Ross (Mildura East), 19 – Hamim Miah (Merbein), 20 – Keegan MacDonald (Mildura Settlers).
Champion Player points allocation
Runs – 1
Unassisted wicket – 20
Assisted wicket – 15
Unassisted run out – 10
Assisted run out – 5
Catch – 5
Stumping – 5
