Cricket: Albion allrounder James Mack named 1st Grade Cricketer of the Year for second straight year

The Albion allrounder was the fourth highest runscorer for the competition with 210 and the third-leading wicket-taker (26). He also took 11 catches and affected one run out.

He had earlier in the day contributed with both bat and ball as Albion beat Mornington by 35 runs to pip Court House for the minor premiership and automatic grand final berth by the barest of margins.

There was less than a point (.27) between the two (on My Cricket calculations).

Court House will now face Mornington in what will be the latter's first finals appearance for a number of seasons this Saturday.

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On Saturday, Court House were in ominous form.

After routing Kookaburras for just 49, they chased down the runs in seven overs.

As he has been doing all season Blake Small led the way for Court House with an unbeaten 24, the keeper-batsmen going on to top both the first grade batting aggregate (354) and average (32.18).

The Gunnedah 1^st XI skipper was also awarded the Presidents Trophy in recognition of leading the district side to two Connolly Cup wins in four years and always getting a team on the paddock.

In the other game, Andy Mack top-scored for Albion with 29 as they made 98, his stay including a 41 run partnership with his brother (James) to get the innings back on track after they were 2-15.

Rhyce Kliendienst (3-5) was on fire early picking up both the Albion openers. Having just his second bowl for the season, Ryan Smith also picked up three wickets along with AJ King.

Mornington then also found themselves in early trouble. They were 3-9 but, on the back of Andrew Johns (15) and Kliendienst (15) managed to scramble their way to 63.

Garry Briggs was the main destroyer, continuing his recent great form with the ball with 5-9.

The hero of the Connolly Cup triumph, he took out the representative bowling award.

Oscar King won the batting honours after scoring 193 runs.

It was a big night for the Court House opener, also picking up the Representative Player of the Year award.

Ash White meanwhile took home the First Grade All-Rounder award for his 74 runs, 29 wickets, nine catches and two run-outs and first grade bowling aggregate.

Court House captain Farran Lamb won the bowling average.

Kevin Miller was also recognised for his years of service to the Gunnedah cricket community with life membership.

First grade

Cricketer of the year: James Mack (Albion) - 210 runs, 26 wickets, 11 catches, 1 run-out

First Grade All-Rounder: Ash White (Albion) - 74 runs, 29 wickets, 9 catches, 2 run-outs

Batting aggregate: Blake Small (Court House) - 354 runs

Batting average: Blake Smith (Court House) - 32.18

Bowling aggregate: Ash White (Albion) - 29 wickets.

Bowling average: Farran Lamb (Court House) - 7.89.

Wicketkeeping: Andrew Johns (Mornington) - 14 catches, 4 stumpings, 1 run-out

Fielding: Oscar King (Court House) - 12 catches, 1 stumping, 2 runouts.

Second grade

Batting aggregate: Ryan Cooper (Albion) - 371 runs

Batting average: Ryan Cooper (Albion) - 123.67

Bowling aggregate: Shayne Riordan (Kookaburras) - 28 wickets

Bowling average: Shayne Riordan (Kookaburras) - 6.97

Wicketkeeping: Russell Baker (Albion) and Stephen Keeler (Kookaburras)

Fielding: Jeremy Hall (Albion)

Representative

Representative Player of the Year: Oscar King

Batting: Oscar King - 193 runs

Bowling: Gary Briggs - 19 wickets

Association awards:

Association

McDonagh Cup (First grade minor premiers): Albion

Resch's Cup (Second grade minor premiers): Kookaburras

Hector Ross Memorial Trophy (Club champions): Albion Cricket Club

President's Trophy: Blake Small

Peter Percy Memorial Trophy: AJ King (Mornington)

Life membership: Kevin Miller

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