Cam Williams is tipping West Warrnambool batsman Ben Dobson to go back-to-back at tonight’s Warrnambool and District Cricket Association cricketer of the year presentation.
Williams shared the accolade with Dobson last season, but said he wasn’t expecting to poll a vote this time around.
“I’m expecting to go terribly tonight,” he said.
“I haven’t had a good season. I haven’t performed to the best of my ability and I’m not expecting to get one vote.”
Dobson is again expected to poll well, having enjoyed another bountiful season with the bat, making 372 runs in the regular season at an average of 41.
He made three half-centuries but unlike last season, he didn’t bat in a second innings.
His veteran teammate, bowling all-rounder Simon Johnson, is likely to take votes off him, after an impressive summer with the ball, snaring 34 wickets at an average of seven.
Williams said Dobson’s consistent season would put him at the front of the pack.
“Dobbo has been hitting 30s and 40s every week and being consistent is what will get you votes,” he said.
“If you go out and hit a solid amount of runs every week, the umpires are going to notice and you’re going to pick up the two votes each week.”
Williams said he was hopeful his Nestles clubmate and former winner Brett Eldridge would also poll well.
“Brett’s had a good, consistent year as well. It’s wide open this year. There have been plenty of players who have been consistently performing well all summer,” he said.
Eldridge is expected to poll well, despite having a lean summer with the bat by his lofty standards.
He made 283 runs at 31 but took 34 wickets at an average of 8.91.
Grand finalist Dennington’s best hope is likely to be captain Dustin Drew, while Saturday’s opponent Merrivale will be looking for Englishman Will Chapples and hard-hitting opener Josh Stapleton to fly the Tigers colours.
Russells Creek veteran Jayaweera Bandara has enjoyed his most productive season with the bat after moving into the middle order.
Bandara scored 485 runs at an average of 65. He made five half-centuries, with a top-score of 95.
Allansford all-rounder Brad Sheen could surprise. While Sheen’s Gators struggled for wins, he made 299 runs batting up the order and took 12 wickets.
Division one newcomer East Warrnambool-YCW will be expecting paceman Jason Alberts to fare well after finishing with a competition-high 38 wickets, while Nirranda’s best hope could be captain Jason Mungean.
Woodford and Wesley-CBC, which relied on even contributions throughout the season, are likely to share their votes around.
The award will be presented at a dinner tonight at Davidson Oval.
grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au
