Ben McDermott Shines at Queensland Cricket Awards Gala

Ben McDermott has iced a dream returned to his home state by scooping the pool at the Queensland Cricket Awards Gala ceremony. The Churchie old boy, whose father Craig McDermott took 291 Test wickets, made a triumphant return from Hobart to win the prestigious Ian Healy Trophy and Queensland’s Marsh One Day Cup player of the year awards for the first time.

Joining McDermott in the winner’s circle was rising allrounder Charli Knott, a Brisbane State High School alum, who claimed her inaugural win in the Jodie Purves Trophy for outstanding performances with the Queensland Fire and WBBL Brisbane Heat. Knott, currently playing club and county cricket in England, was recognized for her stellar season.

Fellow allrounder Georgia Voll, a Toowoomba native who attended Fairholme and BSHS, was awarded the Queensland Fire player of the year trophy, further highlighting the depth of talent in Queensland cricket.

In a night of first-time winners, Bulls batter Jack Clayton and wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson also took home top honors, with Peirson receiving the Andrew Symonds Medal in recognition of his outstanding achievement.

BBL13 championship winner Xavier Bartlett was celebrated for finishing as the competition’s leading wicket-taker and was named the BBL Heat MVP, while New Zealand star Amelia Kerr secured her second consecutive WBBL Heat MVP award.

The event also honored volunteers, with Mel Shelley named as the Queensland Cricket Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to the sport. Overall, the Queensland Cricket Awards Gala for 2023-24 was a night of celebration and recognition for the outstanding talent and contributions to the sport in the state.