IN one of CYMS’ most successful Orange District Cricket Association seasons there were few others, if any, outside vice-captain Dave Neil who could have taken the club’s top award from last Friday’s presentation night and 70th anniversary celebration.
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With 602 runs at a tick over 50 - in all cricket combined - along with his 23 dismissals, Neil bagged the club’s first grade batting average and best and fairest awards, along with the wicketkeeper of the year shield and cricketer of the year shield.
“It was a great night for the club. To get more than 200 people to a function you have to be doing a lot right. I’m very proud and honoured,” Neil said.
“I’d be delighted to win any award on any night, but I’m thrilled to win a few after an incredible year for the team and club.”
The 2014-15 season netted CYMS three of four major ODCA titles, along with the first grade treble - the Challenge Shield (overall title), Limited Overs Cup and Royal Hotel Cup.
Despite the success as a team, and club, combined with his own statistics, Neil said he’d tipped English quick Curtis Free to clean up on the night.
“He was our best player week-in, week-out,” Neil said.
“Maybe wicketkeeping helped me get across the line. He would have been a very worthy winner at any rate.”
Often overlooked due to his prowess with willow in hand, Neil’s glovework proved crucial in CYMS’ title wins. In fact, his 23 dismissals ranked him Orange’s premier gloveman, with Kinross’ Max Manson (21) the next best.
“I’m lucky we had a great bowling attack,” Neil said.
“We bowled teams out pretty quickly and I didn’t have to crouch for a whole afternoon.
“I’m happy to win the award, but ... they’re the bowlers’ nicks, I just caught them.”
CYMS’ other major award winners included Michael Fletcher (clubman of the year), Kieren Beattie (under 21 player of the year and all-rounder of the year), Michael Hannelly (colt of the year), Hugh Le Lievre (player of the finals), Jeremy Finlayson (junior clubman of the year), Cam Jones (Snowden family community award) and Sam Dwyer (Royal Hotel Cup player of the year).
Club president Peter Snowden and stalwart Matt Baker were also awarded life memberships.