BELSTONE Cricket Club's successful 2009 season was celebrated at their annual dinner and awards night at Okehampton Golf Club when players and guests heard president Peter Hammond and chairman Wayne Pearce review the action-packed summer.
Pride of place on the trophy front was the cup for finishing top of division five in the North Devon League. In their first season in this league Belstone won all but one of their games thus gaining promotion to division four next season.
Overall the club played 29 games, winning 16 and losing 10, with one drawn. In the popular, but rain-affected, Buckley Cup 20-20 evening matches Belstone could only finish fifth, well behind the convincing winners Hatherleigh Colts, who won nine of their 10 games. However, Belstone did regain the Pearsall Trophy from Sticklepath to edge ahead 2-1 in the series.
In the individual awards for the first time ever the Hammond Bat Centurion had three hundreds engraved on it, two from skipper Phil Woods (120 not out and 116 in two of the league games) and a thrilling 108 (with eight sixes and six fours) from John Coburn in a pulsating Lancaster Cup tie against Whitchurch.
Phil Woods added to his silverware with the Woodward Cup for batsman of the year (scoring 390 runs at an average of 48.75) and the fielding award. He also shared with Simon Tremain the clubman of the year trophy, which is decided by players' vote.
The Barton best bowling award for the best figures in a single match was also shared as Adam Griffiths and Jonathan Parsons both took four wickets for nine runs. Phil Dennis bagged the Telecare Cup for best overall bowling average, taking 15 wickets at an average of 9.53.
The Duck Cup, went to Henry Holmes who failed to trouble the scorers on five occasions.
For the second year running Thomas Boother was named as best young cricketer. The good servants trophy was won by another youngster, Trevor Oats, who showed great commitment by playing more games than anyone else. Joyce Woods won the Ladies Cup and Andrew Paterson the non-playing members award.
Looking ahead the club has a full set of fixtures for 2010 is already agreed, including 16 Sunday games in the North Devon League, the Buckley Cup weekday games and plenty of friendlies. Monday evening sessions for the Colts will no doubt be as popular as ever.
The club thanks all the vice-presidents who support so generously and looks forward to their continued support as the summer begins to beckon.
l New players are always welcome – give the secretary Chris Walpole a call on 01837 840498, or go along to the club's annual meeting at Belstone Village Hall at 8pm on Monday, February 1.