Bats have been put away and the square has been verti-drained. Yes, the 2009 cricket season is well and truly over. That, though, didn't stop the club holding an excellent end-of-season dinner in the pavilion as upwards of 60 people enjoyed a fine evening of Asian food.

As ever, trophies were awarded for achievement through what was a mixed season for most of the club's teams. The highlight was undoubtedly the Stevens Cup win in July, our third victory in four years, but there were plenty of personal successes worthy of recognition.

For the 1st X1 Gary Sewell, new to the club this season, captured the Batting trophy. He also took the Best Performance award for a fine undefeated century. Josh Berry was a great success with the bat, too, scoring over 600 runs, but claimed the Bowling prize for taking a host of important wickets. The Fielding award was a difficult choice but there was no doubting the vibrant input of Chris Mude when he was able to play. A worthy winner!

In the 2nds it seemed only right that 13-year-old James Berry should win the Bowling award. He was extremely economical, took plenty of wickets and, as a result, claimed a late-season place in the Ones, where his economy and wicket taking didn't desert him. The only other serious wicket taker was Paul Smith, but he did even better with the bat and deservedly claimed the Batting prize. Fielding, a young man's preserve, believe me, was won by 15-year-old Ryan Millis, who grew superbly into the wicketkeeping role despite his lack of senior experience. Lest you think the more mature members of the side didn't contribute, I'm delighted to report that Pat Murphy, one of the club's longest serving members, won the Best Performance award for a combination of batting and bowling in one of the team's victories.

Elstead has a fine tradition of promoting players from the strong junior section into the senior ranks and it is only fitting that fine contributions from these youngsters are recognised. Chris Terry, whose spin bowling was a feature of the Ones' season, deservedly picked up the Under 21 award and, unsurprisingly, James Berry was the recipient of the Under 18 trophy.

Those who help run the junior section, key contributors to the club year after year, were not forgotten. Much to her surprise, the Furthering Youth Cricket cup went to Karen Terry. A popular winner, Karen has taken on the Under 15s for the last two years, despite no previous experience whatsoever. The learning curve was steep, to say the least, but she pushed on and even seemed to enjoy it.

The Ladies' section was recognised, too, and the girls, young and old, voted for the trophy to go to Denise Lynch for her fine innings in the annual fixture against the Under 11s.

So to the Sportsman of the Year! This is generally awarded to someone who makes a major contribution to the club, particularly off the field. As I suggested, the junior section is key to the ongoing fortunes of the senior sides and for the last two years has been run by Bernard Kiddier. He has gradually taken on a more involved role and, by common consent, the section is better than ever. So well done, Bernie, another surprised but popular winner!

Finally, we come to Player of the Year! This trophy is traditionally voted for on the evening by just those club members who have played for the senior sides and, as such, is a highly prized award. A three-way tie for second place couldn't detract from the clear winner. So, for his all-round contribution with bat, with ball and in terms of team morale, congratulations to Gary Sewell!

Indeed, congratulations to all and roll on next April and the start of the 2010 season!