The Penrith Cricket Club capped off a strong 2017/18 season at their annual Presentation Evening last weekend.
Held at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club, around 120 players, officials, supporters and family members turned out to celebrate the game and the local individuals that do their best for Penrith every week during summer.
Hosted by club legend Michael Wholohan, the two major awards for the night were presented to the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year.
Club favourite Jap Singh took out the Men’s Player of the Year award, while WBBL star Lisa Griffith was crowned Women’s Player of the Year.
After the pair also won their respective Bowler of the Year awards, Penrith Cricket Club President Paul Goldsmith said Singh and Griffith were more than worthy recipients of Player of the Year.
“Jap is very popular among his teammates and was a deserved winner. When his name was read out there was lots of applause and yelling from his teammates,” Goldsmith said.
“Jap had a very strong year with the ball, taking 43 wickets at an average of 11. He led the fourth grade attack and dominated enough to be a clear winner for the award.
“Lisa was also a very clear winner because of her ability to bat and bowl. She had a strong year in both disciplines and is a big part of our club.”
John DiBartolo was another of the night’s big winners, taking home One Day Player of the Year, while former first grade captain Michael Castle won T20 Player of the Year and All-Rounder of the Year.
Rising star Cameron Weir won Batsman of the Year while Australian representative Naomi Stalenberg was named Women’s Batter of the Year.
Youngster Jordan Watson won the club’s Rookie of the Year award and Elsa Hunter took out Brewer Shield Player of the Year.
One of the biggest awards of the night went to Warren Masters for Club Person of the Year.
“Not only does he run the nets at training, but he is always fixing things around the club and goes well beyond his formal role,” Goldsmith said.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
