By Tara Murray
Gisborne’s Brianna Woodburn had a season to remember with the bat which was recognised with the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s most valuable player award.
The Dragons captain-coach scored 745 runs for the season and with just one dismissal, averaged 745 for the season.
Woodburn said it was pretty exciting to claim the MVP award on Wednesday.
“It’s pretty cool and pretty special,” she said. “There were so many good players up there.
“I knew I had a pretty good season with the bat, so I had a small inclination that I could win it.”
Woodburn said the close got close towards the end of the season, having polled several votes early on.
She finished on 30 votes, two clear of Wallan’s Megan Farrell with Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford a further two votes back.
Woodburn said averaging more than 700 with the bat for a season was unheard.
“I had a few lucky moments and a few dropped catches,” she said.
“I think it stems from enjoying my cricket more than I had in quite a while. I put less pressure on myself.”
Woodburn said taking on the coaching role this season had helped her as she couldn’t just focus on myself on the field.
She said thinking from a team perspective had helped elevate her game. She also said the team was really enjoyable which made her want to go out and play with them.
One of the highlights for Woodburn was making a 100. She became one of two players to make it on the same day, the first time someone had scored 100 in the women’s competition.
Woodburn said that was a pretty cool moment,
“I didn’t know if I would get it with the rules that you have to retire on 70,” she said. “I got a few good shots and got it in the final over.
“I had a good batting partner in Issy [Isabelle Keys], who was good at running between the wickets and helping me stay out there.”
The Dragons made finals in the recent season, in their second season back in the competition.
Woodburn, who was at the club when it previously had a side, said it was a really good place to be now.
“They’re really excited for women’s cricket and the girls are excited to be part of the club,” she said.
“The season before we folded it was almost like we were a separate club [with the men’s].
“The girls get up for selection dinners and the boys come and watch us on Sundays.”
There is no break for Woodburn in the off season, as she turns her attention to football.
She plays with Macedon in the Riddell District Football League.
