Canning named Auckland Cricketer of the Year

Tama Canning: Auckland's cricketer of the year

Before 290 guests, all-rounder Tama Canning was tonight named State Auckland Cricketer of the Year at the province's annual awards at Eden Park.

Canning received the accolade after a season of match-winning performances for the State Auckland Aces. His most meritorious achievement was taking more wickets than anyone in this season's State Championship. His 46 scalps was a record season haul for Auckland, beating John Bracewell's 43 in 1986/87.

In the Championship he bowled 410 overs, the most of any bowler in the competition, and ended with an average for the season of 21.97. His best bowling figures for the season were earned at the Basin Reserve, where he took five for 62 against the Wellington Firebirds.

Canning was also the most successful Auckland bowler in the one-day State Shield competition, bagging 12 wickets and conceding just 3.24 runs per over.

With bat in hand he also scored his maiden first-class century this season, rattling up 113 against Canterbury. In the Championship he scored an impressive 451 runs, at an average of 37.58.

Canning's all-round abilities saw him rewarded with national honours early in the season, when he was named in the New Zealand Super Max cricket team.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Premier Awards:

State Auckland Cricketer of the Year: Tama Canning
Vector Young Cricketer of the Year: Reece Young
Panda Catering Umpire of the Year: Brent Bowden

Men:

Bowler of the Year: Tama Canning
Batsman of the Year: Aaron Barnes

Women:

Bowler of the Year: Natalee Scripps
Batsman of the Year: Emily Drumm

Crown Relocations Club Cricketers of the Year:

Premier Men: Bradford Leonard (North Shore)
First Grade Men: Geoffrey Waterhouse (University)
First Grade Women: Helen Watson (Grafton United)