Cricketers Cameron White and Sophie Molineux, from Bairnsdale, have been congratulated by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, following their success at the Allan Border Medal awards night this week.

White, who grew up playing cricket with Wy Yung, received the Domestic Player of the Year award after another stunning season with the Victorian Bushrangers, while West Bairnsdale’s Molineux was the inaugural winner of the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award.

“This recognition for both Cameron and Sophie is excellent news and is great reward for years of hard work,” Mr Bull said.

“Cameron has represented Australia in both one-day international and Test cricket, while also captaining the Bushrangers in the past.

“Many people thought he was unlucky to be left out of Australia’s one-day squad for the recent series against Pakistan, after scoring a huge amount of runs in the domestic competition.

Both White and Molineux represented Melbourne Renegades in their respective men’s and women’s Big Bash League seasons, which both came to an end last week.

“In her second season of Women’s Big Bash League cricket and at only 19 years of age, Sophie has done a tremendous job to get where she is and receiving the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award shows just how well she is travelling,” Mr Bull said.

“Talking to Sophie last week, it is clear she has her sights set on even higher achievements and I’ve no doubt she will get there.

“She had another great season with the Renegades against some of Australia’s best female cricketers, while Cameron also scored heavily at the top of the order for the men.

“It’s fantastic to see local people succeed in their chosen careers and at the highest level. Speaking on behalf of the East Gippsland community, we are all very proud of you both,” he said.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017