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Waaia’s star all-rounder Liam Evans takes out Lightfoot Medal

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Best of the comp: Waaia gun Liam Evans claimed the Lightfoot Medal on Wednesday night. Photo by Megan Fisher

Waaia Cricket Club has its first Lightfoot Medal winner after star all-rounder Liam Evans claimed the prestigious accolade on Wednesday night.

At Cricket Shepparton’s night of nights, Evans polled a staggering 25 votes to be crowned the A-grade competition’s top performer.

Evans, who cemented his place as one of the Haisman Shield’s premier all-rounders this summer, polled in 10 of a possible 11 matches.

It was the talented opening batter’s maiden Lightfoot Medal.

Evans piled on 423 runs and collected 13 wickets in the home-and-away campaign as he spearheaded the Bombers to the minor premiership and a finals appearance.

In a runaway contest, Evans finished 10 votes clear of his nearest rival, Katandra gun Jedd Wright (15).

Mooroopna playing coach and spearhead quick Luke Zanchetta finished third on 14 votes, thanks to his blistering 28-wicket season.

Last year’s Lightfoot medallist Michael Eckard (13) and Tatura mentor Daniel Coombs (11) rounded out the top five.

Wright may have missed out on taking home the Lightfoot, however, the all-rounder picked up the A-grade Cricketer of the Year gong.

Wright chalked up 393 runs and collected 20 scalps from his 11 matches.

Cricket Shepparton revealed its A-grade Team of the Year during the night as well.

Central Park-St Brendan’s was the most represented outfit with four players selected, while Waaia, Kyabram and Nagambie had two — with Mooroopna and Katandra featured as well.

CRICKET SHEPPARTON A-GRADE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Opener: Liam Evans (Waaia)

Opener: Brendan Scott (Central Park-St Brendan’s)

Batter: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram)

Batter: Tyler Larkin (Central Park-St Brendan’s)

Batter: Luke Nolan (Nagambie)

Batter: Cade Mueller (Kyabram)

All-rounder: Jedd Wright (Katandra)

Wicketkeeper: Jack McCarten (Central Park-St Brendan’s)

Bowler: Luke Zanchetta (Mooroopna)

Bowler: Nathan Fothergill (Nagambie)

Bowler: Mitchell Cleeland (Waaia)

Bowler: Jarrod Wakeling (Central Park-St Brendan’s)

In the lead-up to the Lightfoot Medal count, Cricket Shepparton recognised countless more players and officials.

In the umpire ranks, Abas Ali was awarded the Digger Lau trophy for Umpire of the Year.

The Russell Baldi Memorial for Best First Year Umpire went to Craig Glenn and the Jim Evans Trophy for Most Improved was handed to Ryan Dean.

Meanwhile, Mooroopna’s Daniel Hatton beat out his rivals to take home the Barry Ward Medal as the best performer in E-grade.

Pine Lodge’s Dayne Webber took home the Steve Winett Medal in D-grade, followed by C-grade’s Furze Medal being handed to Karramomus’ Travis Guppy.

Mooroopna’s Paul McDonald, who is on the cusp of a Haisman Shield final appearance, was awarded B-grade’s Young Family Medal for his impressive 443-run season.

Fellow club member Michael Ford walked home with the Spirit of Cricket award, while Northerners’ Lori Hall claimed the Alby Wayman award.

The best conducted clubs trophies were issued to Central Park-St Brendan’s (Tom O’Halloran Memorial), Karramomus (Don Oliver Memorial), Tautra (Jack Halsall Memorial), Katandra (Leon Preston Trophy) and Waaia (Robert Wildes Trophy).

The night was a chance for dedicated volunteers and past players to be recognised as well.

Jenny Mears and Peter Holland were awarded Cricket Shepparton life membership.

Lastly, the association announced its nominations for its upcoming Team of the Century.

From Raelee Thompson to Chris Keady, 30 players were announced in the nominated list last night.

Cricket Shepparton will name its Team of the Century at an event later this year.

CRICKET SHEPPARTON TEAM OF THE CENTURY NOMINATIONS

Sam Ahmet

Aiden Blizzard

Barry Baldi

Fred Brown

Des Campbell

Greg Connors

Shane Davidson

Bryan Doyle

Liam Gledhill

Glen Hart

Peter Holland

Bill Jones

Chris Keady

Alex Keath

Brendan Kenna

Rohan Larkin

Greg Luscombe

Norm McArthur

John McPhillamy

Rod McLeod

Gary O'Brien

David Shaw

Ian Sartori

Ryan Sidebottom

Raelee Thompson

Peter Whitelock

Rod Wood

Damian Woodman

Clyde Young

Ramadan Yze