Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s Presentation Evening was held in a marquee specially erected – and decorated – for the occasion on the outfield adjacent to the clubhouse.

The presentation evening provides an opportunity for the club’s players and supporters to thank those members whose hard work ensures that the club continues to make progress on and off the field, and to celebrate notable on-field achievements.

In making their team reports, the Captains of the club’s Senior Saturday sides thanked all those who support the club in preparing pitches, making match day teas and refreshments and scoring. Tokens of the club’s appreciation were presented to those present.

First XI skipper, Nick Pang, reported on a season which had ended with seven wins and seven defeats, and thanked the team for their support on and off the pitch, which had helped the side respond to the demands of playing at a higher level in 2018.

Club President, Ian Macdonald, presented First XI batting and bowling awards to Dan Nolan and Andrew Cox, respectively. For the Second XI, Ian Macdonald presented the batting award to Nick Cox and the bowling award to Chris Phylips. The Third XI awards went to Josh Rodd (batting) and Phil Mortimer (bowling).

The Chris Tabb award – which is made to the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the club in the last twelve months – was made to Jen Webb, who has worked both to develop the club’s social and bar activities and is Captain of the Midsomer Mavericks, the club’s Women’s team.

The Mavericks achieved a notable success in 2018, when they were crowned the county’s first ever Women’s softball champions at Weston-super-Mare in July. Mavericks’ player awards went to Simone Sproates (Players’ Player), Jen Gilby (Batting) and Gemma Ford (Bowling).

The Thatcher and Hallam Trophy for Club Member of the Year went to Nathan Groombridge for his work in-and-around the club, on and off the pitch.

The most popular event of the night though was the award of lifetime membership to Phil Mortimer. Phil is currently head groundsman, preparing pitches and practice areas for Senior Men’s, Women’s and Juniors’ cricket.

Phil also serves as the club’s welfare officer, and represents the club at countless League meetings throughout the year – and he still plays, being the recipient of the Third XI bowling award last Saturday. The club, and all members present, expressed their appreciation of all the work that Phil does.

Charlie Matthews