MARTINSTOWN Cricket Club held their season’s award dinner to celebrate their heroes of the past season at the Brewers Arms.

The event followed what has been a very successful year for the club with the first team achieving its highest-ever ranking of fourth in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League while the seconds gained promotion to County Division Four.

Last season also saw the introduction of a Ladies/Girls side representing a significant step in the development of the club.

Off the pitch, the club celebrated 30 years in its current format marked by a major development of the Ashton ground clubhouse.

The evening opened with chairman David Gargrave introducing long standing member Jim Godding as the new club president, who brings with him a unique depth of knowledge with the game, players and facilities.

Reflecting on the past season, the chairman went on to express his thanks to everyone who had contributed over the year, players, parents, sponsors and of course the ground staff who continue to maintain the facility to such a high level.

Heading the awards was Ed Nichols, outgoing captain of the first team and leader of the team’s campaign over a number of seasons, who gained the prestigious Spirit of Cricket trophy.

Nichols thanked the players and club for the tremendous support that he has received and wishes the incoming captain, Sam Kershaw, every success.

Nichols will continue to play for the club while providing a wealth of valuable experience.

A number of the club’s younger players scooped awards.

Jamie Stewart won the bowling award, Tom Pope the batting, while Players’ Player went to Will Maltby and most sixes hit was collected by Teddy Andrews.

The ‘champagne moment’ was shared by youngsters Charlie Durant and Sean Williams with their respective batting and bowling performances.

Bringing up the rear was Martin Cottrell, relatively new to the club but a player who has made a major contribution in helping the second team in their promotion campaign. Martin’s efforts saw him nominated as the ‘Players’ Player’.

In the meantime preparations are well underway for the forthcoming season with programmes of training and winter leagues.

n More details on www.martinstown.play-cricket.com