BPCA’S BEST BUNCH
There is no shortage of quality players in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association. Today, BPCA writer WILL HOGAN reveals his top 20 players in the competition’s A1 division
1. Dale Kerr (Anglesea)
323 runs @ 35.89; 28 wickets @ 16 The most feared bowler in the competition is still Anglesea’s most important player. In the two-day format, where he can bowl all day, he’s a valuable asset. Deserved the No.1 spot on his bowling, but his season with bat can’t go unmentioned, scoring a career-high 323 runs with three 50s. Kerr will be pivotal come finals time and is sure to bowl a hefty amount of the overs.
2. Ben Grinter (Jan Juc)
591 runs @ 59.10 One coach described him as the most destructive batter in the competition, while another believes he can sometimes carry his side off his own bat. Four 50s and a century to his name this season proves the quality he possesses. If Jan Juc makes the finals, how he plays will determine how far it will go. 30 wickets @ 15.60 Such an important addition for Jan Juc this season. The BPCA’s leading wicket-taker has backed up his superb reputation. Genuine wicket-taker with a five and 10-wicket haul to his name, plus he is going at a ridiculously economical rate of 2.44. He has bowled 20 more overs than any other bowler and looms as a vital cog if his side makes the top four.
4. Paul McGrath (Portarlington)
518 runs @ 47.09; 16 wickets @ 24.50 The stalwart of the competition has produced again in spectacular fashion. Third in the league for runs and has still managed 16 wickets with the ball. He remains one of the sharpest bowlers in the league and could have had a lot more wickets to his name.
5. Michael Kenneady (Ocean Grove)
482 runs @ 60.25 Highest average in the league speaks for itself, and for coach Paul Jubber he is easily the Grubbers’ best player. Having a career-best season in what will be his final year of full-time cricket. And he can’t even train on weekdays. Only first XI player this season to notch two centuries and may have been the competition’s leading run-scorer if not for missing two games.
6. Ned Cooper (Anglesea)
440 runs @ 36.67; 5 wickets @ 27.80 Awfully stiff not to be higher. The ultra-consistent batter is having another solid season. No centuries to his name yet, but with six 50s, he rarely plays a bad game and remains one of the most respected players across the competition. Wouldn’t each team love to have Kerr and Cooper in their stocks?
7. Nathan Walter (Collendina)
461 runs @ 35.46; 16 wickets @ 33.38 A timely ton showed Walter’s class. His form after Christmas and a solid season with the ball have elevated him to No.7. With 16 wickets to his name, he has the potential to be the premier allrounder of the competition and he is bowling himself a lot more than previous years.
8. Sam Schaller (Barwon Heads)
305 runs @ 33.89; 16 wickets @ 22.50 Schaller is not far off being the best all-rounder in the competition, having recorded another extremely consistent year. His record is as good as anyone’s, with six scores above 30. Has hit a recent purple patch of form with both bat and ball.
9. Lewis Hyland (Barwon Heads)
413 runs @ 45.89 Hyland was a lock inside the top 10 and, again, it is his consistent run-scoring ability that has given him the nod. Only one score below 20 for the season shows his consistency. Now, he needs to turn a start into a larger knock to score a deserved ton. The self-described slogger is now Mr Reliable.
10. Matthew Caulfield (Ocean Grove)
291 runs @ 48.50; 16 wickets @ 13.19 Maybe a surprise inclusion in the top 10, but not to his teammates at Ocean Grove, who rate him as one of the best all-rounders going around. Coach Paul Jubber admitted Caulfield has been underused with both skills this season, but he has won games with his individual talents. Will be a big factor come finals.
11. Kane Pickering (Barrabool)
21 wickets @ 15.43; 161 runs @ 16.10 Would probably love some more runs, but with the ball in hand he has been nothing short of exceptional. His coach, Daniel Mair, often wants him to bowl more. He is as accurate as anyone and can move the ball off the deck. Some of his deliveries would test batsmen in the GCA.
12. Brett Venables (Anglesea)
19 wickets @ 17.11; 230 runs @ 32.86 Anglesea’s third inclusion in the top 20 — another allrounder who has had a consistent year, highlighted by two five-wicket haults to his name.
13. Luke Schilling (Barwon Heads)
23 wickets @ 17.04 Sits fifth in wickets taken, with a handy bowling average, too, and has proven he can get the competition’s best batters out. His coach, Jonathan Gill, loves his consistent output.
14. Joshua Norman (Jan Juc)
21 wickets @ 17.43 The Jan Juc youngster has had a breakthrough season in Agrade, with his coach rating him as the fourth-best bowler in the competition behind Kerr, Smith and McGrath. Fair company to be in.
15. Charlie Lamb (Collendina)
14 wickets @ 14.86 Has missed a few games, but the veteran remains one of the top bowlers in the BPCA when he is on the park.
16. Jason Mallett (Drysdale)
434 runs @ 33.38 A shining light in a frustrating year for Drysdale. Deserves a big ton to round out his season.
17. Paul Jubber (Ocean Grove)
286 runs @ 40.86; 14 wickets @ 11.86 The Grubbers’ coach and stalwart has had a sparkling year and his average backs that up. Will be integral if they are to go one better this year.
18. Tom Beasley (Ocean Grove)
24 wickets @ 23.04 A breakout year with the ball has helped the wicket-taker sneak into the top 20. His early form was rewarded when he was picked as the spinner in the interleague squad.
19. Thomas Kent (Ocean Grove)
21 wickets @ 16.38 It is fitting that the second twin in Ocean’s Grove spin duo comes in right after. The more experienced member has had another great year and is ontrack for a personal-best Agrade wickets.
20. Ben Ricardo (Collendina)
359 runs @ 29.92 Eighth in the league for runs and probably one of the best batters in the one-day format this season.