On Wednesday night the pair’s efforts during the 2020-21 season were recognised as they were named joint Goulburn Murray Cricket league medallists.
The pair took out the award with 13 votes apiece, two clear of Kyabram Fire Brigade’s Brenton Campbell, who Beard will face in Saturday’s A-grade grand final.
Beard returned to Echuca at the start of the season after spending several seasons playing in Bendigo.
And Beard said he had enjoyed every minute of it.
“For the past three years I had been coaching so it was nice to take a bit of a step back and focus on playing again,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to play with a great group of guys and it has been a great season so far.
“As nice as it is to get some individual recognition, we all play for team success.
“My eyes are fully focused on Saturday and hopefully we can come away with the premiership.”
Despite having scored 356 runs at an average of 39.6 throughout the season, Beard believes he has been well below his usual standard.
But he has continued to prove his all-round ability having taken 27 wickets at an average of 9.3.
“My bowling has definitely come a long way compared to the last season I played at Echuca,” he said.
“I’ve been taking a lot of wickets at the back end of an innings which is something I had been aiming to do.
“My batting has probably been below where I wanted it to be at, because I haven’t really made a big score.
“It would be nice if I can put one together in the grand final.”
Meanwhile, Holmes was the talk of the competition after impressing for the Swans in the opening rounds.
He went on to score 437 runs at an average of 43.7 from his 10 matches before injury ended his season.
In his first season with South, Holmes was equally impressive with the ball taking 10 wickets at an average of 17.5.
“The only complaint I would have about the season is not having the opportunity to help the boys make a push for the finals,” he said.
“But that’s sport sometimes, one week things go your way and then the next they don’t.
“The club welcomed me with open arms and I couldn’t be any more thankful for all the chances I was given.
“They understood my situation and did everything they could to accommodate me.
“I really enjoyed playing with a great group of guys.”
South president Gary Smith said it had been a pleasure to watch Holmes throughout the season.
“Clayton was a great asset to our club from the moment he walked through the door,” he said.
“We were unfortunate to lose him for the latter part of the season — but that happens.
“It would be fantastic to see him in South colours again in 2021.”
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