WOORINEN Tigers all-rounder Marcus Mangiameli is hoping to cap off a great week as Woorinen attempt to go back to back in their A Grade Grand Final against Nyah District this Saturday.
Mangiameli was awarded the 2021-22 A Grade best and fairest and Bill Gurnett Cup at the Swan Hill and District Cricket Association’s presentation night on Wednesday.
He was also presented the A Grade batting award, and has been a big reason why the Tigers have found themselves playing in the decider again.
“It is pretty surreal but it is good to be rewarded, but I wasn’t expecting that so it is a bit of a shock,” Mangiameli said.
“It is good to get some recognition with the bat, it has probably been a few years in the making.”
Scoring 320 runs at an average of 35.6 as well as picking up 10 wickets, Mangiameli has had a fantastic year. But he isn’t done yet as he looks ahead to the Grand Final this weekend.
“The team is looking good, we have been together for the past two years now,” he said.
“Everyone knows their role and hopefully we can get the job done this weekend.”
Ultima-TUF bowler Jordan King was awarded the A Grade bowling award after taking 23 wickets including best figures of 4/17.
“I try and keep it simple and just bowl full and at the stumps,” he said.
“Big shout out to Shane Ingram and Leigh Matthews they have been helping me a lot. I don’t try and do too much and see if it pays off.”
Ultima-TUF narrowly missed out on finals, however King the side is looking good in the next couple of years.
“We had a few good recruits this year, Shep (Ben Shepherd) from RSL was a big in,” he said.
“He’s a great cricketer and has a really good cricketing brain.
“It would’ve been good to get there, but there is always next year.”
The side has been building over the last couple of years, and King believes that the team is ready to take the next step.
“The past five years have been a struggle because everyone was really young,” he said.
“But I think we are all starting to gel and mature and we are developing a few more skills.”
Swan Hill player Cal Noonan was presented the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Medal that is voted on by captains throughout the year, and is effectively the League MVP.
“It is a nice feeling to be recognised and show that sometimes hard work does pay off,” he said.
“Even though you may not get the results you want.”
Swan Hill went throughout the season without recording a win.
“We would have one person play really well one week then bad the next,” he said.
“And we couldn’t string it all together on any given day.”
Despite having a difficult season, Noonan said the group was heading in the right direction and would be looking to be more competitive next season.
“We have got a good group of kids now and we are starting to build on that more,” he said.
Gary Travaglia became the 29th inductee into the SHDCA Hall of Fame.
