Friday saw the End of Season Celebration at the Clubhouse. There was an excellent attendance given some of the traffic problems, the weather and the football.
The review started by acknowledging the Stoke Molesey Ladies winning the Surrey Trust League, a phenomenal achievement given we had to re-build from scratch in 2011. Congratulations to all the players and helpers on this silverware.
In the Surrey Championship, the 1st XI moved on quickly from personnel changes, Captain/Coach/Overseas team of Will Gudgeon, Jono Fowler and Paulie Ramdin inspired to us equal our best ever finish in the Championship; and the 2nd XI were promoted having started the season with a seemingly unambitious but realistic target of staying in the Division. The Sunday and T20 calendar was filled with many enjoyable fixtures to cater for other sections of our membership and to give younger players their first steps into adult cricket.
So we moved on to the Player Awards…
Derek Wellman Cup – Best Player in the Colts’ Section
The Under 15s won the Mid Surrey League, (http://midsurreycl.play-cricket.com/leagueTables/divisionTable.asp?id=10053158&seasonid=26), and then made it to the Colts Prem Final. For his contribution to those competitions, and for being the stand-out bowler in the Surrey Trust League, (leading wicket-taker and best economy for the club in the zone), the Derek Wellman Cup was awarded to Baz Medlycott.
Surrey Trust League Player of the Year
A consistent performer in what was a stop-start campaign for the Academy, James Trower scored the most runs, and took those performances into his 1st XI League cricket. He also led the side well when Keith Medlycott was unavailable.
Bob Willis Cup – Most Improved Player
As the results improved on last year, a number of players improved their performances and stats; and in other years Dom Morley, Dan Gluckman, Tom Gudgeon, Alex Bond, Marcus Mahne, Alastair Curran or Baz could have scooped this award; but one individual had a breakthrough season. The development plan we had in mind was for him to have a run in the 2s with a view to some exposure to 1s cricket where possible. After a 4-for and a 5-for in successive weeks for the 2s, he then moved into the 1s and took 5-for on debut and has never looked back. In the final game of the season he bagged his 50th wicket…and people forget how his batting has improved as well due to his hard work in nets. This year’s winner of the Bob Willis Cup was Nico Spreeth.
Performance of the Season
Picture the scene. The 2nd XI, starting the season hoping to stay in the Division, were flirting with the relegation places and were 86 for 6, (and minus their captain), away to Chertsey who at the time were second in the table with clear water over the chasing pack. An Aussie sank the rest of his J2O, walked out, got hit on the head and then spanked 70 off 30. At the other end he was kept focussed by one of our colts’ products who registered his maiden 50. This set up a total of 244, the demoralised opposition were blown away and this started a decisive winning run. Botham & Dilley in 1981? No comparison, Botham & Dilley were playing against Australia so hardly a credible opposition. This partnership changed the mood and the momentum and is shared by Greg Routley and Tom Gudgeon.
Greg was also awarded a tankard which was filled to the brim several times before a sprint for the last train home!
England & Australia Cups
A reminder that these are not Player of the Year awards and are voted for by the players to reflect overall contribution to their respective XIs.
The England Cup, (1st XI), and the Australia Cup, (2nd XI), were won by Jono Fowler and Gary Harkett respectively.
Spirit of Cricket Cup
Created in the memory of the late, great Stoke stalwart Hugh Dharmasena, this captures either a brilliant piece of sportsmanship, or rewards a player who doesn’t always have their name up in lights for most runs or wickets; but is Mr.Reliable, plays his cricket the right way, and is popular with team-mates. Extra kudos for smiling despite the Ashes summer. the Hugh Dharmasena Spirit of Cricket Cup stayed in Australian hands and was awarded to Jase Earl.
Vice Presidents’ Shield
Awarded to the person who has made a huge contribution to the club in one or a number of seasons, Jo Patrick was a deserved and popular recipient. There was mention of the number of teas made, but her contribution to the Club as Secretary, taking the role at very short notice in 2007, and all the jobs that come. Here is an old news article that gives people a flavour of some of the things she does. (http://sdacc.play-cricket.com/content/view.asp?id=10266248&cid=200)
Player of the Year
Easy to look at this award being gained by virtue of games played; but let’s break down the numbers and digest them:
* 1129 runs average 41.81 – Some of our best ever players ended with career averages in the mid-40s
* Only the 22nd time someone has scored 1000 runs in a season for us, and is only the 13th different person
* Three centuries
* 24 sixes – tied first with Greg Routley
* 42 wickets, (average 18.24), with two League 5-fors plus one taken in the Claygate all-day game
The 2013 Player of the Year : Dan Douthwaite.
Captain Will Gudgeon was quick to lead a vote of thanks to Drew for all his hard work this year; and the players then made the most of their evening. Guildford was a popular destination for some; the rest stayed at HQ and sank many beers before ordering in some pizzas.
A season to remember!
Now back to the Fundraising!!!