THERE just seems to be no stopping Shacaya Thomas in Sunraysia cricket.
Since joining Gol Gol in 2017, the all-rounder from Jamaica has been a star of the competition, winning Innes Medals in 2020/21 and 2023/24 alongside a premiership in 2021/22.
In that time he has made made numerous centuries and taken massive amounts wickets, often producing a match-turning performance.
So far this season he leads all wicket takers after eight games with 25, including a best of 7/83, as well as the second most runs with 430, trailing only Irymple import Scott Steel (550).
Those runs include one century and four half-centuries.
While Thomas has still been arguably the leading all-rounder in the competition this year, he said he feels like there are still improvements that can be made.
“Personally my season could have been better but grateful for my performances so far,” he said.
“From a team perspective, like most we have players in and out every week but we have done well with who we available each game, mainly because everyone wants to contribute towards winning in any possible way they can which is a great mindset to have as individuals.”
As one of the most consistent cricketers in Sunraysia in recent years, in terms of making an impact each match, Thomas said much of it comes down to preparation.
“Firstly knowing your own game as a player with a plan that works for you and stick to it, which becomes easier the older you get,” he said.
“Every week of practice is different, I train according to which team I am playing on the weekend and how are they planning to bowl to me or bat against me. Physical and mental preparation is key.
“I think there’s no worse feeling apart from losing a game, but when you only bat or bowl and that’s it and you don’t get a chance to make an impact the other way.”
While Thomas has been the New South Wales club’s leading wicket-taker so far, spinner Than Rajapakse is quietly having a great campaign with 14 wickets, equal fifth best in the competition, while emerging all-rounder Kain Berryman has also impressed with nine scalps.
It’s also a deep batting unit with Thomas, Wade Hancock and captain-coach Adam Thomson all making centuries so far, while former East Fremantle premiership captain Greg Beresi has slotted in nicely at the top of the order.
“Personally I love when I see other players in the team perform, I always say the more others perform the stronger the chances of winning,” Thomas said.
“It takes individual performances to win a match but a team to win a tournament or a premiership.”
Always perennial contenders, Gol Gol sitting third in a top four that are separated by less than a single win, with reigning premiers Irymple, grand finalists Mildura East and semi-finalists Nichols Point also gunning for a home final.
Coomealla Wentworth and Mildura West are also lurking just outside that four, making for a fascinating run home over the final six rounds.
“It’s great to see how most of the clubs have grown over the years and this is the first time the ladder as been so close since I’ve been here,” Thomas said.
“As a club we can only focus on our performances, if we keep winning our games we will be fine and I am sure that’s how the other teams see it too.”
