Gillam stumps rivals
CRICKET: As the curtain comes down on the second instalment of the Darling Downs Bush Bash League, the season’s high achievers have been recognised.
Despite a heartbreaking loss in the grand final, Aidacare Aztecs captain Chris Gillam was awarded the player of the tournament, as well as the leading runscorer.
The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 235 runs at an average of 58.75 with the bat
throughout the regular season, including four knocks above 40 and two half-centuries, along with four catches and a stumping.
Gillam said while it was a tough finish to the season, he took pride in the honour.
“The result was disappointing but I was quite surprised to receive player of the tournament,” Gillam said.
“I felt pretty comfortable throughout and it was nice to be able to hit them well.
“When you’re in form you take it, because you don’t know when you’ll be out of
form.”
DDBBL co-ordinator Kent Reimers said it was a deserved accolade for the exploits of Gillam this season.
“When your number one pick averages 50+ across all games and was available for every game, that makes him a bankable selection,” Reimers said.
“It’s so important in T20 cricket to get your innings off to a good start, and he managed to do that at better than a run a ball.”
Hip Pocket Rockets skipper Shaun McCarthy added
to the success of lifting the premiers trophy by taking out the leading wicket-taker.
Throughout the regular season, McCarthy finished with 13 wickets at an average of 6.76 and an incredible economy rate of 4.51 runs per over, which saw him finish second in player of the tournament honours.
“He’s produced some unbelievable spells, going for no runs, and taking wickets,” Reimers said.
“Shaun has been in amazing form whether it’s in one day or T20. It’s amazing for a seam bowler to be in such control.”
RobScan Knight Riders captain Kris Glass finished third in player of the tournament standings, with the allrounder averaging 34.25 with the bat and taking seven wickets at an average of 13.71.
“You know you’ll get economic overs, stump to stump bowling and a wicket or two,” Reimers said.
“With the bat he’s one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen in the region. He’s the complete package as a player.”