It’s bats and balls down for the McMahon Shield Christmas break, but the league’s finest have already made a significant impact.
Remarkably, three batsmen have already reached the 500-run mark before Christmas, a feat rarely seen in the competition.
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But it’s also been a game for the all-rounders in season 2023-24, with several players placing in the top 10 for both runs and wickets.
Asantha Singappuli (Echuca South)
It’s been a dominant start to the season for the Sri Lankan all-rounder, who is into his second season with the Swans. At the halfway mark, Singappuli looks like the prime candidate for the Turner Medal.
The Swans’ number three sits third in the run-scoring after hitting 504 before Christmas, one of three batters to accomplish the feat. He’s averaging 72 with a high score of 183 against Kyabram Fire Brigade in round eight.
The 32-year-old’s bowling has also been a strong point however, claiming 19 wickets at 17 and sitting second in the competition.
Stats: 504 runs @ 72, 19 wickets @ 17
Paul Newman (Kyabram Fire Brigade)
The Flames co-captain has been a force with the bat towards the back end of 2023.
After a slow start, a double-century in round seven against Nondies-Cohuna followed by a ton against Echuca South one week later saw Newman rocket to the top of the run-scorers with 536, averaging 76.
After dropping their first two games, the Flames went on a six-game tear to sit fourth on the ladder at Christmas, and if Newman keeps his form with the stick up they look primed to make a swift return to finals cricket.
Stats: 536 runs @ 76
Anthony McMahon (Moama)
Moama has rarely been challenged this season, and Anthony McMahon has played a big part in that fact.
It’s not so much the weight of runs McMahon has scored, which is currently at 507, but the consistency of which he has scored them, with just one score under 40 from his eight knocks, a high score of 101 the notable effort.
It’s his work as an opening bowler that also has him in contention as one of the competition’s premier all-rounders, his right arm fast-mediums delivering 11 wickets for Moama.
Stats: 507 runs @ 72, 11 wickets @ 17
Michael Hill (Moama)
After a substantial career with Cooma, Michael Hill’s first season at Moama Reserve has been nothing short of exemplary.
The former Turner Medallist might just give it a nudge once again, the paceman leading the competition for wickets with 20 at an average of just 10, while also passing the 250-run mark in the final round of 2023.
Hill’s runs have come in a timely manner and he shapes as another vital cog in the black and white line-up.
Stats: 20 wickets @ 10, 251 runs @ 35
Aidan Young (Echuca)
The experienced all-rounder has gone about his business quietly but has been no less crucial for the reigning premier.
Young leads the way for Echuca with the ball alongside Matt Hinks, boasting 14 wickets at an average of just under seven runs, typifying how economical he has been, while also adding 200 runs.
A high score of 78 against Echuca South showcased his hitting ability, and he’ll be aiming to add a second GMC premiership medal to his name.
Stats: 199 runs @ 24, 14 wickets @ 6.64
Kobyn James (Echuca)
The young gun has been one of the McMahon Shield’s premier wicketkeepers, making plenty of runs at number four for Echuca.
After saluting with a famous century in last year’s grand final, a ton and two half-centuries have formed the nucleus of his 354 runs this season, ranked fifth in the competition while snaring eight dismissals behind the stumps for his club.
Stats: 354 runs @ 44
Regis Chakabva (Bamawm-Lockington United)
The former Zimbabwean international has found his groove.
Bamawm-Lockington United’s captain has impressed with the bat, belting 419 runs with a high score of 172 in round five.
Chakabva joined the Lions last season, and has been a fine addition to the club’s ranks as he hopes to lead them to a second grand final appearance in three seasons.
Stats: 419 runs @ 52
Sean Williams (Rochester)
The Rochester all-rounder has been a shining light this campaign.
Williams opened the season with a bang, scoring a stylish century against Tongala and followed up with 47 against Echuca South.
His true value has been illustrated in recent weeks with successive four-wicket hauls in victories over Tongala and Kyabram Fire Brigade.
Stats: 258 runs @ 32 and 11 wickets @ 15
Xavier Wishart (Nondies-Cohuna)
The 17-year-old Nondies-Cohuna paceman has defied his age to lead his club in wickets and keep the men in purple in the running.
Has 14 wickets at an economical average of just 13.
Stats: 14 wickets @ 13
Curtis Townrow (Echuca)
Poise and power have been weapons in Townrow’s arsenal for a long time and it seems this season will be no different.
Three half-centuries are included in Townrow’s 310 runs for the season to date with a 94 against Cooma in the last round before Christmas.
But it’s the strike rate once he gets going that keeps opposition sides nervous, and he’ll be one to watch when play resumes.
Stats: 310 runs @ 50
Jayden Rosin (Echuca South)
Rosin has been impressive in his own right in a Swans batting line-up that has fired on all cylinders.
The Echuca South opener has been a consistent run-scorer this season with four scores over 40 and a high-score of 78, hitting 352 so far this season.
Averaging 50, Rosin’s influence for the Swans can’t be understated.
Stats: 352 runs @ 50.