Sandgate-Redcliffe all-rounder Darcey Johnson secured her first Kath Smith Medal while University of Queensland’s Bryce Street earned his second Peter Burge Medal at the Queensland Premier Cricket Awards Gala.
The gala event recognised the top performers from the state’s premier cricket competitions during the 2024-25 season.
Kath Smith Medal Winner
Darcey Johnson from Sandgate-Redcliffe received the Kath Smith Medal as the best and fairest women’s player, judged by umpires. The 20-year-old had a standout season, playing a key role for her club. She took the most wickets in the Katherine Raymont Shield competition with 32 wickets at an impressive average of 12.91. Johnson also showed her batting ability, scoring 349 runs.
Her consistent performances across different formats and excellent fielding skills highlighted her potential. Johnson, described as a humble and superb team player, was also selected for the Queensland Women’s 2nd XI during the season. Adding to her achievements, she received the Loretta Moore Trophy as the most improved female player under 21.
Peter Burge Medal Winner
University of Queensland opener Bryce Street won the Peter Burge Medal for the second time, having previously received the honour in the 2022-23 season. This achievement places him alongside former Australian player Adam Dale and ex-Queensland Bulls all-rounder Aaron Nye as only the third dual winner of the prestigious award.
Street, a member of the Queensland Bulls squad, had an outstanding summer with the bat. He scored 806 runs across all formats at an average of 50, including three centuries (equal most in the competition) and four half-centuries. He also contributed significantly with the ball, taking 15 wickets at an average of 17. Street finished well in the voting points, ahead of runner-up Sam Neale.
Other Major Award Recipients
Several other individuals were recognised for their contributions during the season. Tom Balkin from Toombul received the Bob Spence Trophy for the most improved male player under 21, having played for Queensland in the Toyota Second XI competition.
Ben Farrell was awarded the Bob Spence Medal as the Premier Cricket Umpire of the Year. Peter Murphy from Sandgate-Redcliffe received the Clem Jones Trophy for Volunteer of the Year, acknowledging his valuable contribution off the field. The STA Curator of the Year award went to Craig Jesberg from Redlands Cricket Club.
Runners-Up and Standouts
Johnson’s Sandgate-Redcliffe teammate, Tess Cooper, was finishing second in the Kath Smith Medal count. Cooper was the leading run-scorer in the women’s competition, amassing 715 runs in the Katherine Raymont Shield and leading her club to two grand finals.
In the Peter Burge Medal, Northern Suburbs paceman Sam Neale finished second after leading the competition’s overall wicket tally with 52 dismissals and captaining his side to the two-day premiership. Last year’s winner, Preston White of Toombul, finished third, again showing strong all-round form.
Award Significance
The Kath Smith Medal honours one of Australia’s pioneering female cricketers. Kath Smith played six Tests in the 1930s and was vice-captain for the first-ever women’s Test match against England in 1934. Past winners include current Australian players.
The Peter Burge Medal, first presented in 1990, is named after Peter Burge, who is considered one of Queensland’s finest batsmen. Burge had a long Sheffield Shield career and represented Australia in 42 Test matches. Both medals are decided based on votes cast by umpires throughout the season.
Published Date 21-April-2025
