On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the VSDCA hosted its 44th annual Hatch Dinner at the iconic MCC members’ dining room in the MCG. The night turned into a celebration of excellence for Noble Park Cricket Club’s star, Sahan Perera.
Perera’s evening kicked off with a bang as he was awarded the Leader Community Newspaper Media Award ‘Player of the East Group’, a title voted on by Dan Cencic. His stellar performances continued to be recognized as he was named the number three batsman in the Team of the Year.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. Perera clinched the prestigious Val Holten Medal, tying with Glen Parker of Brighton with 23 votes. Perera’s remarkable consistency saw him poll 12 votes in the first six games, featuring three best-on-ground performances, followed by 11 votes in the next nine rounds, highlighted by another trio of standout displays.
This stellar first season at Noble Park saw Perera pass the club record for most runs in a season, earn the title of club champion, secure a premiership and cementing his status as the joint best player in the VSDCA.
Perera now joins the ranks of previous medal winners such as Warren Whiteside, Steven Croft, Issy Perera, Mevan Fernando, and Janaka Liyanabadalge. Congratulations, Sahan, on an extraordinary season!
📸 Andrew Berman