Invercargill Old Boys player Brayden Thomas won the ILT premier league batting cup and club cricketer of the year.
Downing said the two players did not play as many club games as others due to Hawke Cup commitments so it was “special” to win the awards.
“They’re normally a bit harder to win when you’re playing for Southland as well.”
Awards including bowler of the year and batter of the year were based on statistics.
While he did not play to win awards it was nice to be recognised, he said.
“I’d rather my team takes home the main trophy at the end of the year, but still to take home an individual award is still pretty cool.”
It was the first time he had won the awards.
He had taken 22 wickets in the 11 matches he had played for the club. His best wicket bag was 27 for 5 and his economy rate was 3.01.
His highest score was 49 with the bat.
There were times when he felt he could have scored more runs and would be working to improve that aspect of his game.
Thomas said scoring 107 in the first game was a great start to the season.
“The first game of the year, sort of set the tone for how I should be batting, and I just kept rolling with it.”
He was not sure why but everything seemed to “click” this season.
He did not feel nervous about each game.
“I was just sort of showing up and enjoying it more so I think that was the recipe.”
His most memorable batting performance was the day he scored 99 against Marist.
“I got out one run short of getting 100, but it was probably the most enjoyable because I was just playing shots.”
He scored 421 runs in the eight club matches he played, at an average of 52.63 and strike rate of 86.09.
He opened for his team which suited him.
“I hate sitting around waiting to bat and waiting for people to get out so I can have a turn.
“So, it’s great.
“I just get to walk out there and get straight into it.”
Other award winners include:
Hawke Cup player of the year - Nick Brown
Southland Club umpire of the year- Jason Mace-Brown
Division 1 Bowler of the year- Geoff MacFarlane, Te Anau.
Division 1 Batsman of the year- Anjelo Don, Metro Cubs
Division 1 All-rounder of the year- Abid Younas,Royal Riders.
