Premier congratulates WA's best cricketers

Premier Alan Carpenter has congratulated cricketer Shaun Marsh on being named the Western Warriors Player of the Year.

Marsh won the prestigious Lawrie Sawle Medal at the 2007-08 WACA Premier Cricket Awards held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex last night.

The awards ceremony is Western Australian cricket's gala night of nights, celebrating the achievements of WA cricket in the 2007-08 season.

The Premier attended the awards along with current Retravision Warriors and Western Fury players and former legends of cricket.

Michael Hussey also received a major honour, the Gold Cup, which is awarded to WA's most outstanding cricketer across all levels as judged by members of the WA sporting media.

The Excalibur Award went to Mathew Inness, the Player's Choice Award to Steve Magoffin, Liam Davis was named Future Legend and Lauren Ebsary took home the Zoe Goss Medal for most outstanding female cricketer.

Mr Carpenter said cricket was part of the WA way of life and the winners should be proud of the contribution they were making to the sport in their State.

"Shaun Marsh represents the new generation of cricketers who are upholding WA's fine tradition in the sport of cricket, while Hussey is a stand-out player whose recognition as the most outstanding cricketer across all levels is thoroughly deserved," he said.

"All the winners are prime examples of the talent WA is able to develop through its sports system, and I congratulate them on their achievement."

The Premier said WA cricket fans had much to look forward to.

"The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) continues to play an important part in WA sport, and I commend its plans to redevelop its ground for the benefit of cricket in our State," he said.

"In addition to this, Perth's new $1.1billion multi-purpose stadium will offer the opportunity for the WACA to showcase future significant international cricket events as desired.

"Although the Government has endorsed the two stadia policy of having Perth's new stadium and Members Equity Stadium as recommended by the Major Stadia Taskforce, I recognise the entrepreneurial spirit of the WACA to go it alone to redevelop its facility to create a sustainable financial model for the future."