Ben McDermott has described winning the Scott Mason Medal as a massive privilege, with the Tasmanian batter honoured to receive the award from Mason's father Winston following the Tigers' remarkable Sheffield Shield victory over Victoria.
The medal, awarded to the player who makes the most significant contribution to the annual memorial match, was a fitting reward for McDermott's extraordinary first-innings century which helped lay the foundations for Tasmania's thrilling four-run triumph at Ninja Stadium.
After suffering back spasms and retiring hurt on just two, McDermott returned to the crease after lunch on day one with Tasmania reeling at 7-45, producing a superb 128 and sharing a state-record 166-run eighth-wicket partnership with Jake Doran.
But beyond the personal achievement, McDermott said receiving an award honouring a much-loved member of Tasmania's cricket family made the occasion particularly special.
“It is a massive privilege to win an award under Scottie's name, very, very special,” McDermott said.
“It's great to have his old man down, Winnie, and he's been around all week, and he's been a massive part of this fixture for a long time now.
“It feels like it might have been close between me and Gabe [Bell] there. He had an awesome game as well, so could have gone to either of us. But nice to have my name up on that board. It's very special to me.”
Bell's six-wicket haul and career-best unbeaten 35 ensured he was another worthy contender, with his final-day heroics helping Tasmania snatch victory in dramatic circumstances.
For McDermott, the century was made even more satisfying by the physical battle he endured, having feared his match was over when his back seized up on the opening morning.
“I thought I was out of the game there but luckily was able to pull through and probably put my best performance for the Tigers on the board, which was really nice and pleasing.
“It was a very tough, grindy innings which I’m quite proud of.”
The medal capped an unforgettable four days for McDermott and the Tigers, in a fixture which continues to honour Scott Mason's enduring legacy.