Accomplished Mackay Magpies cricketer Adam Zurvas is reaping the dividends of a golden summer.
The 23 year old premiership winner is basking in the success of a memorable 2022-2023 campaign in the Mackay Cricket Association after chalking up a long list of meritorious achievements.
All rounder Adam scooped the pool at the Association’s recent Senior Awards Night at Harrup Park – picking up a swag of trophies to cap his finest season in the top grade.
The stylish batsman claimed three major honours when he took out Mackay Cricket’s A Grade Player of the Year award and Batting Aggregate and Average trophies for his 776 runs across all formats at 52.60.
Zurvas is only the third Magpies player to receive the prestigious Player of the Year award – replicating the deeds of former Australian Test paceman Ross Duncan and life member Dale Fortescue.
It certainly was a season to savour for the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student who described the honours as “the proudest moment of my life.”
“Taking the field each week with my brothers Ben and Liam and close mates was an absolute joy,” reflected Adam, who achieved his maiden A Grade century at the start of the season.
“Our recipe for success was simple – just go out and enjoy your cricket and appreciate your teammate’s contributions” he said.
Boasting a top score of 120 not out against Pioneer Valley, Adam was at his prolific best throughout the summer with a string of half centuries and chimed in with 17 wickets as a seam bowler.
But the classy run-maker nearly sat out the season and was coaxed into playing by leg-spinning team mate Finlay Wilson.
“Finlay convinced me to play after I seriously considered having another break from the game,” revealed Adam, who made limited appearances for the Magpies while completing his Civil Engineering degree at Townsville’s James Cook University – including a Twenty20 Shootout triumph.
Younger brother Ben, 20, is one of the competition’s best young keeper batsmen and finest leaders while 16 year old Liam is a batting all rounder on the rise.
Proudest couple at the Awards Night were Adam’s parents Brad and Julie – two of Magpies Cricket’s greatest stalwarts.
“Dad is my role model and coach and batting inspiration – I can’t thank him enough” said Adam.
Other major trophy winners for the Magpies were Ethan Morris (Mackay Second Grade Player of Year); John Magann (Mackay Second Grade Twenty20 Player of Year) and Brendan Whitby (Mackay Third Grade Player of Year & Batting Award).
By Chris Karas
Mackay Cricketer of the Year Adam Zurvas displays his impressive trophy haul for season 2022-23
