By Tara Murray
Rivergum’s Matt Perri claimed a remarkable fifth competition best and fairest medal at the Diamond Valley Cricket Association awards night.
Having won a B-grade medal and three Bill McFarlane medals in the North Metro Cricket Association, Perri claimed the Duckworth-Turner Medal as the Mash Shield’s best player.
Perri said while it was nice to be recognised for his season, it was a bittersweet moment.
“It’s a bit of a hollow feeling,” he said. “We lost a grand final just five days before.
“Celebrating an individual award now, doesn’t sit well with me. Once the dust settles, I’ll be proud of the season that I had individually.”
Perri topped the run scorers in the Mash Shield, making 845 at an average of 105.
He also took 21 wickets to finish in the top 10.
Perri said he thought he was hitting them well this season.
“I had a good season with the bat,” he said. “When you know your game a bit more and you get yourself in, it’s harder to get out.
“You get yourself out. I took advantage of that and cashed in a bit and took a few wickets as well.”
Perri said his really strong run of form started when he took over the captaincy six or seven years ago and felt that he needed to step up a bit more.
He said when he looks back at his career, the significance of what he has been able to do will sink in.
“Five competition medals, that doesn’t mean much now,” he said. “You want to win premierships rather than individual awards.
“Hopefully any more will come along with a premiership as well. When it’s all said and done, I’ll look back and think that I have a good local sporting career.”
For Perri and the Kookas, they already have one eye on next season after losing the grand final to Mernda.
After being on top after day one, the Kookas collapsed with the bat.
“Things started off OK,” he said. “Paul Unkles tore his hamstring the needed a runner and then we lost 4-2.
“Losing clumps of wickets in finals is not ideal and it was hard to stop the run on. They bowled well and they deserved to win.
“There’s plenty of motivation for next year. Most of the guys will go again.”
Perri was also named captain in the team of the year. Teammate Jarrod Bannister was also named in that team.
While the cricket season is over, Perri won’t be on the sidelines as he again plays for Wallan in the Riddell District Football League.
