Stephen’s knock of 42 runs, at number 11, helped Bathurst salvage a tie from their Western Zone Premier League final against Dubbo.

The 116-run partnership alongside Wayne Sellers was certainly one of Bathurst cricket’s most memorable moments from not just in 2017-18 but across several recent seasons.

His six wickets at an average of 16.5 made him a serious threat with the ball throughout the WZPL season.

At club level for City Colts he scored 100 runs in his second innings against Rugby Union and struck 93 against ORC.

His figures of 6-24 against Centennials Bulls during the two-day season was the standout bowling moment.

“When it comes to district level in particular Matt is underrated with the bat. In that grand final against Dubbo they probably thought they would roll us for less than 100 but then he came in and played the ultimate innings,” BDCA president Campbell Graham said.

“This year was probably one of the closest races we’ve had for the prize in a long time. Nic Broes had an exceptional year. Ben Orme and Trent Hemsworth really stepped up for their club. Adam Ryan was another who had a great season.”

Broes may have missed out on the top prize but was awarded the honour of BDCA’s grade player of the year.

The St Pat’s Old Boys all-rounder cemented his place as opener for the Bathurst district side during an impressive 2017-18.

At club level he hit 443 runs at an average of 36.9 and with the ball picked up 15 wickets.

The fight for leading wicket taker was hardly a contest with Orme racing away to the top with 41 wickets (including his finals scalps).

Jem Nash was fifth in that battle but he won the prize for best average of 11.43.

Imran Qureshi was the leading run scorer for the season and Trent Hemsworth had the top average.

It was a rare moment to see the four BDCA first grade bowling and batting prizes going to four different players.