A rising Penrith Cricket Club star has been recognised for an outstanding summer on the pitch, named the 2020/21 Male Player of the Year for the first time.
22-year-old Third Grader Adam Burton claimed one of the club’s top honours at the 2020/21 Penrith Cricket Club Annual Presentation, held at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club last Saturday night.
Club legend Michael Wholohan, who coached Burton early in his career, said the talented all-rounder thoroughly deserved his award.
“Burto’s a local junior who has come through the Penrith system with flying colours. He’s an all-rounder, leg spinner and a right-hand batsman, and enjoyed a really consistent year particularly with the ball,” he said.
Fellow rising star Tyran Liddiard was another of the evening’s big winners, taking home four awards including Limited Overs Player of the Year with Brent Williams, T20 Player of the Year with Henry Railz, Batsman of the Year and Wicket Keeper of the Year.
Sam Grant won Outstanding All Rounder and the John Benaud Scholarship Award, Brock Balgowan was the club’s Best Fielder, and Ryan Fletcher was named Bowler of the Year.
Reegan Wilson won Rookie of the Year for an outstanding first season, Isaac Nicholls was deemed Colts Player of the Year, and Josh Watson took out the Bob Thomas Encouragement Award.
Jake Scott was named AW Green Shield Player of the Year and Jordan Watson was a standout this season, crowned Poidevin-Gray Player of the Year.
Penrith’s array of female cricketers were also acknowledged for their fine efforts last summer, with Callee Black crowned the 2020/21 Female Player of the Year.
The teenage all-rounder was also named Brewer Shield Player of the Year for the second year in a row.
Other winners included Maddison Spence for Bowler and Fielder of the Year, Elise Noble for Batter of the Year, and Annabel Batty for Best Wicket Keeper.
Along with Bruton and Black, Geoff Sullivan was another of the major winners for the night after he was crowned Club Person of the Year for “doing the work of 10 men”, Wholohan 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.
