Further awards given at the packed annual Swardeston CC awards dinner at The Parson Woodforde were as follows.
The trophy for the most outstanding performance of the year was awarded to Mark Thomas. Club captain Peter Thomas said: “Candidates for outstanding performance of the season, were Alex Levinson for his 120 not out, off 134 balls against Lowestoft; Peter Lambert for his 129 off 150 balls; Callum Taylor for his 73 off 53 balls; Sam’s first five-wicket haul against Horsford; Michael Eccles three wickets in the first over of the game against Saffron Walden.
“Having liaised with the person who scores more runs than anybody in this room, Norman Bygrave, there was only one outstanding performance last season with bowling figures of 11.3 overs, 5 maidens, 9 runs, 7 wickets. He came on to bowl against Vauxhall Mallards when they were 71 for 2 looking to post a score in excess of 140 on a difficult wicket. After lunch he had figures of 7.3 overs, 4 maidens, 6 wickets, 5 of which were bowled, for four runs and they were all no balls, so they were actually 5 for 0. We finally won the game by five wickets which effectively was the one game that won the EAPL 2014 title. So it’s been difficult for me but with the help of Norman, the John Betts Cup for the best performance of the season goes to Mark Thomas.”
Alex Levinson was the winner of the Neville Herathge Trophy for the outstanding youth player of the year. Club captain Peter Thomas said: “We have so many good youth players, but last year’s winner Callum Taylor has progressed out of all recognition. Last August I was present to negotiate a two year professional contract with Essex, which I was very proud to help him. He will be flying out to Australia with England in the very near future as he is now picked for the England Under-19s squad and we hope he goes all the way in his cricket career. As he has won this two years, I thought it would be a little boring to give it to you again!
“So another youth player of the season 2014, is a likeable young man, who is prepared to play in any team in the club, a true club man! He made his EAPL debut last season, and he scored a vital 120 not out against Lowestoft representing the 2nd team. Alex Levinson please step forward to receive the outstanding youth player of 2014”.
John Betts Cup – Outstanding performance of the year: Mark Thomas
Neville Herathge Trophy – Most outstanding youth player: Alex Levinson