Paignton CC celebrate season's successes at gala awards evening

Sam Simcox (left) collecting the Bob Whitburn Trophy for clubman of the year from Paignton CC chairman Tim Ward

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PAIGNTON CC celebrated their achievements during the 2021 season at a gala awards evening hosted at the prestigious Paignton Club on the seafront promenade.

Freya Munson was the DWCL bowler of the year, which was acknowledged with a special award presented to her by coach Trevor MasseyMore than 100 players, members and family members turned-up for the presentations, which were kick-started by club president Colin Knight reviewing the events of the season.

Players of the season for the men’s sides were Harry Ward for his 259 runs in the first team; Jack Harman, who took 24 wickets in the second team, club chairman Tim Ward for 275 runs and 21 wickets at third-team level and fourth-team bowler James Wakely, whose 19 wickets were taken at an average of just 6.74.

Sam Robbins won the Don Piper Shield for the overall champagne moment, which was his 2nd XI century at Plymouth. Sean Kirk, Sam Woodcock, Sam Simcox and Liam Mansell all had champagne moments of their own.

Women’s cricket is thriving at Queen’s Park as the success of the ladies hardball side in winning the DWCL Division Two without losing a game testified.

Katie Harman won ladies player of the year for scoring 384 runs at an average of 128!. Further awards for 2021 went to Hollie Perkin, Izzy Graham and Hannah Gray. 

Trophies held over from 2020 were presented to Lynne Milton, Daisy Pascoe, Lauren Perkin and Emily Roberts. Ladies player of the year Katie Harman

Lisa Wyman was the player of the year in the ladies softball squad – both for her achievements with bat and ball and also for the support and guidance that she gave to her team-mates. Other softball awards went to Laura Lewis and Maddie Leyden.

Following the main awards, a number of men and ladies received caps in honour of maiden centuries and five-wicket hauls.

SPECIAL AWARD

Freya Munson received a special award as Devon Women’s Cricket League bowler of the year. She took 11 wickets at less than 12 runs each with a season’s best of five for nine against Bradninch.

The evening finished with a passionate speech from club chairman Tim Ward, who thanked members for their hard work behind the scenes in a tough season.

The last act of the evening was to present Sam Simcox with the Bob Whitburn Trophy for clubman of the year. He won the award - in recognition for his work on the ground and wider contribution to the club.

The clubman of the year award remembers Bob Whitburn, a wicketkeeper-batsman who had a near 50-year association with the club as a player and administrator up to his death in 1979.

Paignton’s 4th XI bowler James Wakeley (left) receiving the team’s player of the year award from skipper Nick Glanfield