The cricket season has come to a close, culminating in the much-anticipated Awards Night 2023. A night filled with well-deserved recognition for the outstanding performances that graced the pitch throughout the season for the Athletic.
5th Team Standouts:
Most Runs - Harrison Knight
Harrison Knight's consistent batting performance stood out as he notched up an impressive 83 runs at an average of 11.36. His highest score of 39 against Locks Heath showcased his resilience at the crease.
Most Wickets - Sudhir Rao
Sudhir Rao proved to be a formidable force in the bowling department, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 18.82. His best figures of 4/23 against Langley Manor demonstrated his skill and precision on the field.
4th Team Brilliance:
Most Runs - Keith Hammond
Keith Hammond's bat wielded magic as he accumulated 138 runs at an average of 13.80. A highlight was his stellar performance against Southampton Community, where he scored 43 runs.
Most Wickets - Steve Andrews
Steve Andrews, aptly nicknamed 'Stone Cold,' lived up to his moniker with an impressive 16 wickets at an average of 21.31. His standout performance included a memorable 4/48 against Bishops Waltham.
3rd Team Triumphs:
Most Runs - Sam Freemantle
Sam Freemantle's batting prowess shone through as he amassed a staggering 327 runs at an average of 54.50. With three half-centuries and a high score of 94 against Locks Heath, he displayed remarkable consistency.
Most Wickets - Colin Day
Colin Day made a significant impact with the ball, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 16.93. His best figures of 4/25 against Follands showcased his bowling finesse.
2nd Team Excellence:
Most Runs - Simon Orr
Simon Orr's bat roared with authority, accumulating 498 runs at an average of 41.50. His century against Portsmouth and Southsea and three half-centuries underscored his class as a top-order batsman.
Most Wickets - Jon Floyd
Jon Floyd emerged as a bowling stalwart, securing 19 wickets at an average of 17.42. His stellar performance included a remarkable 6/16 against Gosport.
1st Team Dominance:
Most Runs - Nathan Feltham
Nathan Feltham's bat wielded like a maestro, accumulating 502 runs at an impressive average of 50.20. With three half-centuries and a high score of 114 against Basingstoke, he led from the front.
Most Wickets - Sam Hill
Sam Hill proved to be a wicket-taking machine, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 18.74. His outstanding figures of 4/29, including a hat trick against Basingstoke, highlighted his bowling prowess.
Women's Softball Superiority:
Most Runs - Claire Husbands
130 runs scored with highest scores of 20 and 21 at an average of 11
Most Wickets - Holly Husbands
12 wickets taken at the lowest economy rate - often tying up the scoring rate with maidens a plenty
Most Improved - Sally Bryant
Went above and beyond regularly throughout the season making a great contribution
Player of the Year - Leya Burchett
Total all round dominance of the format scoring second highest runs and wickets taken, with fine contributions in the field also.
Overall League Leaders:
In the overall league awards Nathan Feltham and Sam Hill emerged as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively, showcasing their consistency and impact throughout the season.
Overall Season Awards:
Nathan Feltham's all-around brilliance was evident as he not only topped the charts in runs with 652 at an average of 46.57 but also claimed the award for the Best Fielder.
Meanwhile, Sam Hill's 33 wickets at an astounding average of 15.94, including two hat tricks, solidified his position as the most impactful bowler of the season.
Special Recognition:
Players Player of the Year: Chris Sanders showcased outstanding all-around performance with 460 runs at an average of 51.11, complemented by 7 wickets, 2 catches, and 2 run outs.
Best Colt in Adults Cricket: Calum Byles made a mark with 9 wickets at an average of 29.33, securing his place in the 5th team and promising a bright future.
Most Improved Player: Nathan Gregory's incredible journey from starting to play cricket again in 2021 to cementing his place in the 3rd team and making debuts for both the 2nd and 3rd teams was truly commendable. His 22 wickets at an average of 23.82 showcased his rapid progress.
As the curtain falls on another memorable cricket season, these award winners stand as a testament to the dedication, skill, and team spirit that define our cricketing community.
Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to another season of thrilling cricket ahead!
