This year the 2002 awards night was held at Enderby Police Headquarters, and all the big names from Huncote Cricket Club were there.  Current players such as stars Ian Crossley, Craig Webb, Geoff Farmer, Mitch Hubbard, and Tim Kirby, mingled with fans, as well as ex-Huncote superstars such as Max Swords and running superstar Matty Adcock.

The young contingent of emerging players were also out in force, with Frazer Hubbard, James Swann, and the Crossley boys, Ben and George, all dressing to kill.  The award ceremony was due to start at 8 pm but a shock head injury to Huncote Committee member and Sunday team skipper Peter Kirby delayed matters. 

Soon the awards were started as the Sunday bowler was given to Ian Crossley, holding off Carl Sommer and Tim Kirby respectively.  Crossley also won the batting award averaging a stunning 47.50, with Mitch Hubbard and Alan Sommer some way off in second and third.  Alan's form with the bat in tough situations was enough to win him the player of the year award on Sunday's clocking up 296 runs at 26.91 with a top score of 79 not out.  The Sunday side played really well this year only picking up just 2 defeats, with 11 wins and 1 draw.

The second team awards were next with golden oldie Stan "Silver Fox" Sexton holding off JW Smith and captain Eddie Stratford to gain the bowling award.  Alan Sommer underlined his still undoubted class by picking up another award, this time second team batting, but for his brilliant keeping, and excellent opening batting, Frank Hubbard picked up player of the year from a jubilant Stratford.  A good season for the seconds.

The first team enjoyed an excellent season this year, with a number of fine wins, no doubt a massive factor of this was their bowling and fielding performances.  This was underlined by the top three bowlers averaging less than 15 with Tim Kirby picking up the bowling award, holding off stiff competition from Carl Sommer and Paul Knibbs.  The batting was as predictable as ever, but this is just because of the silkiness of the captain himself Ian Crossley, who picked up the award.  No doubt in the crowd favourite who picked up the First Team Player of the Year, Ross Spencer batted well, bowled well, and caught well all year round.

This years clubman award was dedicated to a proud Huncote servant who sadly passed away this year, Barry "Nobby" Kendall was a great player and asset to the club, and the award will rightly be named after him from now on.  The first owner of the award is the Northampton lad Brian Driver, who helped with team selection, sight screen construction, as well as numerous behind the scenes activities, and he seemed delighted to pick up the trophy from Stan Daikin.

Next up was young player of the year, and this was extremely close.  Both Frazer Hubbard and James Swann had excellent seasons for the seconds and the Sunday sides, but Swanny's consistent bowling just edged him the award.  The lad known as Pube Head was a gracious winner and had a celebratory drink after picking up the trophy from Cal English.

The form of both Saturday sides was underlined when both Ian Crossley and Alan Sommer picked up the league batting awards.  Club secretary Geoff Farmer presented the awards to the two delighted batsman.

Jamie Smith swindled us all out of some hard earned cash by setting up a roll a pound at a bottle of whiskey, and then nailed it on his first go.  Ross Spencer claimed first prize in the raffle draw, a new County Bat, and other prizes included a signed Nick Knight bat, and a Leicestershire County season ticket won by Dave Gamble.

Thanks must also go to the kind ladies who assisted with the teas.  Special mention to Liz Turrell, Hannah Farmer, Ruth Sommer and Geoff Farmer.  Also to those who aided with the pitch all tear round, Carl Spencer, Ian Crossley, Frank Hubbard and Geoff Farmer again earn special praise.

Next year Huncote aim to perform even better and need help to do so.  If you are interested in playing cricket for Huncote and you live in the area please leave us a message on our message board.  The club nets every Thursday night at Grace Road until the start of the season.

Also a message to players wishing to keep fit over the winter, both the Huncote Harriers Running Club and Huncote FC are looking for new members all this will help you keep in shape for the new season.  Contact David Kirby for details on the running club by visiting SimplyRunning.Net or leave a note on the message board if you are interested in playing football.

A great night all round and another excellent season for Huncote Cricket Club.  With the expansion of the league structure next year, Huncote aim to be bigger and better next year, and watch out for an extension to www.huncotecc.co.uk.  See you for the start of next year!! 

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