4:50pm Thursday 24th December 2009
BURGHILL & Tillington Cricket Club had plenty to celebrate at their annual dinner at The Bell in Tillington after their second consecutive promotion in the Crusader Worcestershire County League.
They now face the challenge of Division 2 cricket next season.
Forty-five players and supporters heard Ireland Cricket Manager Roy Torrens OBE reflect on a rewarding career.
Award winners for Burghill's 1st XI were Tim Walsh (Clubman of the Year), Alex Hedges (Player and Batsman, 769 runs at 69, 28 wickets at 13), Mike Pledge (Bowling, 36 wickets at 20), Jack Bailey (Fielding), Denholm Smith (Most Improved Player).
For the 2nd XI, top awards went to Duane Evans (Player of the Season, 347 runs and 32 wickets), Jack Hale (Batsman, 576 runs at 52), Steve de Souza (Bowling, 24 wickets at 16), and Gerard Anderson (fielding).
The highest knock of the season came from Owen Morgan with 150 not out.
The club's season began with a warm up match against Brockhampton, who fielded ex-B&T and now Herefordshire batsman Ben Stebbings.
Burghill's under-16 bowler Denholm Smith took Stebbings' scalp and followed this up in his first 1st XI league game with a five-wicket haul.
Burghill and Tillington have been at the centre, directed by Gavin Long, of the Herefordshire Disabilities cricket team which played four games in the National Disabilities League.
The club were awarded the Herefordshire Club of the Year 2008.
Club chairman Steve de Souza thanked all volunteers and sponsors who have guaranteed the grass roots are well established for next season and beyond.
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