Season in review.
What a fabulous season we have had this year with lots happening on and off the field.
We started off training this year with over 20 children a week doing lots of new activities, skills and games. It meant that we had a squad of 12 players to choose from this year which sometimes made selection difficult when playing against teams of 8. So a big thank you to Charlotte, Tom, Dani, Jo, Matty and John for helping with training.
Madison presented an application to keighley council to get a grant of £3000. We then purchased new training equipment such as the reaction lights, bowling machine and the mobile cricket net.
We sent a coaching team in to Long Lee primary school for a day to bring cricket to nearly a hundred children. Some of which came up to training and hopefully will make the team in the years to come. Thanks to the coaching team for giving up their time for free, Charlotte, Matty and Claire (Max’s Mum).
We had the family fun day sponsored by Keighley Town Council open to everyone in Long Lee, which was a massive success introducing lots of new faces to cricket. So, thanks to the local councillors for assisting with that.
Then we had the games, every game had a highlight, a star player and even some had the win. With this came some league awards for some very special performances, but more of that later…
Out of the 20 teams in the league we came 16th, above the likes of Skipton, Oxenhope, Denholme and Haworth who have much more resources available to them. A massive improvement on previous years with wins against Bingley Congs and Denholme and only losing to Oakworth by 8 runs.
The Awards
Batting Award
Olly Hurt
The most consistent batsman this year, 81 runs, highest score of 16, strike rate of 79.2. A guy that really is unhappy with himself when he gets out and always tries to do better
Bowling Award
Martha Clarke. Martha has become much improved and again very consistent We have struggled to take wickets this season but off her 12 overs she took 3 wickets, at an average of 32 and never gave up.
Fielding Award
Jacob Hussain. If you want someone to run their heart out and put their body on the line, and sometimes other bodies on the line, then this is your guy. He will chase all day long and proudly display the dirtiest kit ever seen at the end of each game
Emerging Talent
Annalise Drysdale. A difficult award to judge as we have had quite a few new players this season who have all performed brilliantly. The Emerging talent award goes to a player new to the club that has showed not only a talent for the game but has also a massive improvement in their performances across the season. Annie is always self-critical which shows how hard she tries every game and she’s quick to tell me when I have done something wrong,
Highest Individual Score.
David Pawlak. This award again goes to someone new to the club that seems to have adapted like a fish to water. Somebody who only played a couple of games but against oakworth scored our highest score of the season with a blistering 18.
Best Bowling Figures.
Isaac Hussain. Someone who really thinks about their cricket and in particular their bowling this year. Again, against Oakworth, one of the best teams in the league, he bowled his 2 overs claiming 2 wickets for only 4 runs.
Team Player.
Edward Clough. The team player award goes to a guy who always looks to organise and lead the team. Someone who is always ready to encourage and lead by example. Teddy has cricket in his blood and would give blood for the team.
Future Coach Award.
Pippa Preston. This award goes to a person who has a great understanding of cricket and uses this in games to help and encourage others. She’s always one of the first to stand up, get stuck in and ask questions. She could be a leader and/or coach if she puts her mind to it.
Most Feared Bowler Award.
Sophie Pullen. This award goes to Sophie who puts fear in the hearts of batters, especially the boys. She has been known to make tough young men cry after bowling them out. No one wants to see the cartwheel of stumps, or the cartwheel celebration.
All-rounder award.
Miles Didur. This award goes to someone who didn’t play that many games but when he did he could just fit in naturally as a batter, a bowler or a fielder. Always full of energy and encouragement he is a player that you can rely on to get the job done.
Superstar of the future
Toby Meek. Another new player that has performed well above expectations. This guy will come to practice and do over and above to improve his skills. He has gelled into the team as if he has been playing for years! Winner of the league bronze award for year 5 newcomers and our superstar of the future,
Player of the Year.
Isla Prentice Allan. Someone had an absolutely amazing season! Batting, 9 innings, 97 runs with only 2 outs at an average of 43.50. Bowling, 14 overs, 4 wickets for 90 runs at an average of 22.50. Fielding, the safest hands in the team making the mid-on position her own averaging a catch every other game. Winning the High Achiever all skills award at the League dinner for being the best all-rounder in the league.
A big thank you to Long Lee Village Hall for providing the venue, Cllr Lisa Robinson for presenting the trophies and certificates and most of all the parents/carers for supporting us yet again.
And to finish, lets have a little dance…
Long Lee Cricket Club 