SHACAYA Thomas will terrorise the Sunraysia Cricket Association for a few more years in Gol Gol’s green and gold.
The Jamaican all-rounder who has made Mildura his home since arriving in 2017 has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the NSW side until 2025.
The former Innes Medal winner, and current favourite to win the award this season leading both run scoring and wicket taking, has been a force for Gol Gol since arriving in Sunraysia, amassing 3449 runs at 42.58 and 93 wickets at 16.3 for the club in all competitions.
Thomas has scored nine centuries and 20 half centuries in 92 innings for the club, with a highest score of 144.
The top order dynamo is happy to have committed to the club for another two seasons.
“I’m absolutely excited to continue the relationship with Gol Gol Cricket Club as they’re like family and the journey has been really good,” he said.
“The years have gone by fast but it mainly does when you’re enjoying yourself. When I just started (at Gol Gol) I travelled back and forth to England but since COVID it became a permanent fixture.”
Despite his form this season, which has him leading both the run scoring (460 runs) and wicket taking (23 wickets) in First Division, he admitted some disappointment at not being able make bigger totals in some matches. In eight innings he has one century and four half-centuries at an average of 65.71.
“My performances have been good, but still disappointed I’ve missed out on scoring big in a few games,” he said.
“Still I am grateful and happy that we are consistent as a team and it’s not down to just a few players. Sport is a lot easier when 80 per cent of the players pull their weight as you can’t have a 100 per cent all the time.”
The only accolade missing from his tenure in Sunraysia is a premiership medallion, but this season Gol Gol are the clear favourites to take home the title.
Thomas said after missing out in previous seasons the playing group is focussed on delivering.
“Every time in the past we had a good chance and we let ourselves down,” he said.
“If you notice as the season goes along teams are getting stronger, so we focus on facing who we’re up against each time and not worry about other results until after we complete our game.
“Consistency is the key as a group. The team that turns up on the day will win, so being favourites doesn’t mean we automatically win the flag. We still have to play and perform.”
