Hussey claims first Gold Cup

Australian Test and One-day international representative Michael Hussey has continued his rise as a cricketing superstar after being crowned the winner of the 2005-06 Fosters Australia Gold Cup at a gala dinner at the Burswood Resort and Casino last night.

Western Warriors Vice-Captain Hussey polled the maximum possible 30 votes to record a convincing victory over Australian Vice-Captain Adam Gilchrist on 17 votes and recent Australian One-day debutant Brett Dorey on 16 votes.

Hussey is currently in South Africa with the Australian Test team and wasn't able to attend the function to receive the Gold Cup in person with his father Ted receiving it on his behalf.

The left handed batsman made his Test debut at the 'Gabba in November's first Test against the West Indies before going on to play all six Tests in the Australian summer, making a stunning 640 runs at 80 with three centuries and one fifty.

In the past year Hussey has also proved a match winner at One-day international level, scoring close to 1000 runs. Batting in the middle to lower order he scored 988 runs at 70.57 from 32 matches, with eight half centuries.

The other major award winner on the night was pace bowler Dorey who won the Laurie Sawle Medal as the Warriors Player of the Year.

Dorey, who made his Australian One-day debut in January, finished the domestic season as sixth highest wicket taker in the Pura Cup with 38 wickets at 25.02 from eight matches. His haul included a match winning 7-86 against Queensland at the 'Gabba in December.

The medal is considered one of the most prestigious awards in Western Australian cricket with the votes compiled from the players, Umpires, Coach and a State Selector after each match.

Other players who took out awards at the dinner were Steve Magoffin, who won the Coach's Award, Marcus North, who won the Excalibur Award as the player who best upholds the spirit of the Warriors, and Renee Chappell who won the PW Freeman Trophy as the Western Fury Player of the Year.

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