A packed Withies Lane clubhouse provided the perfect opportunity for Midsomer Norton Cricket 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 the successful campaigns of the First XI and the Sunday XI in 2017.

Club chairman Graeme King presided and preceded the player presentations by thanking all those who help support the club in preparing pitches, making match-day teas and refreshments, scoring, and maintaining the club premises. Small tokens of the club’s appreciation were presented to those present.

Graeme then introduced the senior team skippers who reported on the 2017 season. Nick Pang, at the end of his first season as First XI skipper, thanked the team for their support on and off the pitch, which had been so important in securing top spot in the WEPL Bristol and North Somerset Division in such dramatic fashion, in the end of season clash with Winterbourne.

The scenes of celebration at the club on the first Saturday in September will live long in the memory. Club president, Ian Macdonald, presented First XI batting and bowling awards to Nick Pang and Andrew Cox, respectively.

The Second and Third XI skippers, Dan Cox and Robin Cray, reported that although their seasons had ended in relegation, team spirit could not be faulted and had remained strong. Dan Cox also reported on the performances of the Sunday XI, which culminated in the side winning the North Somerset Cricket Club Sunday Conference Division One. Prizes were awarded for:

• Second team batting: Martin Blackmore

• Second team bowling: Chris Phillips

• Third team batting: Paul Justin

• Third team bowling: Paul Justin

• Sunday batting: Dan Cox

• Sunday bowling: Nick Cox

The Clubman of the Year award was presented by Ian Macdonald to Alan Elkington, not only in recognition of his work as Secretary, but also for the additional workload he undertakes behind the scenes.

A new award in honour of Chris Tabb was made to mark an outstanding contribution to cricket at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club, and the first recipient was Nick Potter, current Director of Cricket and long time First XI skipper. Nick received his award from Chris’s brother, Kevin Tabb.

Saturday was a fantastic evening for the club, and thanks are given to Ola Barbeque for providing a great buffet.

Charlie Matthews