HOLSWORTHY Cricket Club held their annual presentation night at Holsworthy Golf Club on Saturday, November 11.
The Stanhope Park outfit enjoyed another season of progress with the first team narrowly missing out on promotion from Division Two East and winning the Division Two T20 Cup in their debut effort, while the seconds, who were hoping to do slightly better, finished in mid-table in Division Five.
However the club continues to go from strength to strength with the ladies section growing and several youth teams in progress.
The ladies competed once more in the Devon Softball League and played some hard ball fixtures, and are already back in indoor training.
Last season saw the first overseas player at the club with South African all-rounder Herschelle Poggenpoel proving a huge hit with over 1,000 runs in all competitions, over 700 of which came in Division Two East and the Division Two T20 Cup at an average of nearly 40.
However it was his left-arm spin that was arguably even more important as he took 69 wickets in all competitions at an economy of just 3.15.
The Trees hope to see more of him in 2024 as they look to go one better.
Heading into the final three games of the season, the Trees were in with a shout of pipping Wadebridge Seconds and Callington Seconds to the sole promotion slot, however a shock defeat at Menheniot-Looe put pay to that.
They beat champions Wadebridge the next day before rounding off the season with a surprise loss to South Petherwin.
But an overall record of 12 wins and five defeats from their 22 outings isn’t to be sniffed at as they finished third.
The seconds won eight of their 17 completed games with five rained off to finish sixth, and will hope to get much closer to the promotion spots next summer.
The evening itself saw a two-course carvery before the presentation of trophies from the respective captains and club president, Dave Gerry.
Once those formalities were completed, local band Joy Machines provided the music.
Club chairman Ryan Walter told the Post: It was a really good evening to celebrate a really good season for us on the field.
“There was a relatively good turnout from across the club and we’re looking forward to next season already.
“I’d like to thank the golf club for hosting the evening, everybody for coming and everybody’s efforts throughout the season.”
The award winners were as follows: First Team: Batting – Matt Shepherd; Bowling – Jack Greening; Second Team: Batting – Lyndon Piper; Bowling – John Snell; Ladies Team: Batting – Hannah Steadman; Bowling – Jodie Gardener.
Club Awards: Player of the Year – Graham Wild; Five-wicket Hauls – Jack Greening (5-36 v Callington Seconds); Issac Disney (5-64 v Duloe); Nick Ward (5-24 v Newton Tracey); Hundreds – Sam Stacey (107* v Tintagel Seconds); Malcolm Woodward Memorial Shield (Young Player of the Year) – Adam Lovejoy; Colwill Bridgeman Cup (Under 15 Player of the Year) – Dan Lucas; Pat Marks Memorial Award (Up and Coming Young Player) – Aaron Squirrell; Colin Walter Memorial Trophy (Moment of the Year) – Sam Stacey; Canard Trophy (Most Ducks) – Jack Greening; Butter Fingers Trophy – John Snell; Special Award – Evie Clarke for taking a wicket in her first men’s game at just 13-years-old.