PAUL Morgan has been honoured after what could possibly be his final game in the Horsham Cricket Association.
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Association secretary Darren Chesterfield announced the board intended to name the medal for the best player in the A Grade grand final after the Wimmera cricket legend.
The announcement and decision was made at the association’s awards night on Sunday.
“The fact the medal did not have a name was something I had been discussing with association president Tim Hopper,” Chesterfield said.
“We had enough of the board there on Sunday and it was passed unchallenged.
“It was as a good as a place as any to announce it as Paul was there.”
The humble character that Morgan is looked almost embarrassed when it was announced in front of everybody.
He later said it was a great honour to receive.
“I thought you had to be dead to have a medal named after you,” he said.
“I’ve always just enjoyed playing the game and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to continue playing for so long with such a good bunch of blokes.”
Morgan’s senior playing career has spanned from the early 1980s right up until the present day.
He has played important roles in numerous premierships playing for Rupanyup and later Rup-Minyip.
The first of his 11 Cec Hopper medals was won in 1985-86. More than two decades later he won his 11th after a strong 2006-07 season.
Chesterfield said he rated him as the best player within the association over the past 30 years. It is a sentiment reflected by his selection in an association team of the century selected in 2002.
“He’s a classic type of player,” Chesterfield said.
“He plays the game competitively but in a great spirit; the way it is supposed to be played.”
Current A Grade Rup-Minyip captain Travis Hair echoed Chesterfield’s words when talking about Morgan.
“He’s a great example not only for the guys in our team but in other teams as well,” he said.
“I’ve never heard a bad word said about him and he is always putting the team first team because he is so humble.
“His view is that everyone contributes something and he always has time to sit and help someone with their game.”
The medal’s name will be officially ratified at the next association board meeting.