TORONTO Workers all-rounder Joe Price has been named Player of the Year by Newcastle Herald cricket writer Josh Leeson.
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Writing the season rap in his Leading Edge column, Leeson said Price's performances in the biggest games sealed the deal.
"The Toronto Workers all-rounder has enjoyed better seasons on the club front, but it was his representative form for Newcastle that earned him the distinction," Leeson wrote.
"Price's 46 and 2-30 guided Newcastle to the State Challenge victory over Northern District in September, and he made a sublime 131 in the NSW Country final loss to Western. Price's 34 wickets at 18.24 and 543 runs at 36.20 topped both departments for his club."
Price was also named in Leeson's team of the year.
"Along with Belmont skipper Mark Littlewood, there is no player more important to their club than Price," Leeson said.
"For the majority of the season Price captained the side and was their leading batsman and bowler. At rep level, Price was even more dominant. His 131 in the NSW Country final when Newcastle were 3-30 gave his team a fighting chance in a losing cause."
Price's teammate Nathan Hudson was the other Toronto player to get a start in Leeson's top team. "After a few quiet seasons, Hudson's late move from Waratah back to Toronto produced his best season yet. Hudson scored 512 runs at 25.60 and provided Toronto with plenty of aggressive opening partnerships," Leeson wrote.
Leeson's team of the year was: Dan McGovern (Wallsend), Nathan Hudson (Toronto), Josh Trappel (c) (Hamwicks), Pat Darwen (Merewether), Mark Dries (Hamwicks), Joe Price (Toronto), Jaymes Thomas (Stockton), Mark Cameron (Merewether), Jace Lawson (Belmont), Bryan Warren (Stockton), and Tim O'Neill (Merewether).