BARNARD Castle CC’s star cricketers were saluted at the club’s presentation evening last Saturday. Trophies were handed out for individual achievements in the first, second, third and under 17 teams at a packed gathering in the club’s pavilion.
In a warm address to the players, sponsors and guests, chairman David Sparrow said the club had enjoyed another successful season.
“It wasn’t as all triumphant as 2016 when the Barney club across the board had the most successful season in the history of the North Yorkshire and South Durham League. But it still would have been the envy of many other clubs with trophies both for the firsts and seconds and the emergence of some fine junior players.”
Mr Sparrow said that it was important to continue working hard to ensure the club prospered on and off the field. But there was a committee in place determined to do that.
“We know the challenges for the club and for cricket in general and we have to try to keep on meeting them,” he said.
Guest of honour Geoff Cook, the former England batsman who coached Durham to three County Championship titles, echoed Mr Sparrow’s comments.
Cricket had faced many crises in the past, from rebel tours to corruption, and the game had changed almost beyond recognition in the past ten years with the advent of Twenty20, he said, but it remained the greatest game in the world.
Mr Cook and the club’s sponsors, TBi and S&A Fabrications, presented the trophies. There were several multi-award winners including James Quinn, the first team vice-captain, and 17-year-old Cameron McKnight, who was voted players’ player in all three teams he played for – under 17s, thirds and seconds.
Kevin Rogers presented the Dave Rogers Trophy for clubman of the year, in honour of his father. It went to the club’s outgoing secretary, Steve Steen, who has been instrumental in the vast improvements in the club in the past decade. Trophies:
Dave Rogers Trophy for clubman of the year: Steve Steen
First XI: Batting, Premier Club player, Players’ Player: James Quinn. Bowling, fielding: Jack Robinson.
Second XI: Batting: Ian Swinburn. Bowling: Mike Dixon; Fielding: Naeem Akhtar; Players’ player: Cameron McKnight.
Third XI: Batting, players’ player: Cameron McKnight. Bowling, fielding: Finn Usher.
Under 17s: Batting and fielding: Tom Merrwyweather; bowling: George Welsby; players’ player: Cameron McKnight; manager’s player: Tom Merryweather.
Trophies: First XI – Macmillan Cup; Second XI – Robinson Cup.
Most improved player: Cameron McKnight.
Most improved junior: Ben Hesp
