Worcestershire CCC celebrated the success of 2011's remarkable preservation of Division One status in spectacular fashion with the annual End of Season Awards.

 

BBC Hereford and Worcester's Dave Bradley compered the evening's entertainment, which saw the county toast an exceptional season.

 

The evening's winners were as follows:

 

Dick Lygon Award - Alan Richardson
A specially tailored blazor adorned with a set of silver buttons bearing the Beauchamp crest of the Lygon family was awarded to Alan Richardson for the second successive year.

 

In winning this award, Richardson was deemed to be the best team man, embracing all forms of cricket, and making significant contributions both on and off the field.

 

Richardson, unable to attend the event, commented, "It is a complete honour to receive any award, but to receive the Dick Lygon Award for the second successive year is particularly special. I have felt totally at home since joining Worcestershire CCC, and to be part of a team of such a hard working group of players, coaches and backroom staff has been a real privilege and has certainly brought the best out of me."

 

 

Rock Lobster Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Year - Gareth Andrew
With a total of 553 points in the MVP rankings, Gareth Andrew was named the Rock Lobster MVP of the Year.

 

Andrew closed the season in second place in the overall MVP rankings, which was won by Somerset's Marcus Trescothick.

 

Consistent performances across all forms of cricket secured Andrew's MVP status. His 52 First Class wickets and 666 runs, in addition to the 19 wickets and 250 runs in the Friends Life t20, highlight the remarkable year Andrew has had.

The Cotswold Group Brian Peters Academy Player of the Year - Steve Leach
Steve Leach was selected as the young player who has shown the most positive combination of results, potential, and improvement throughout the season.

 

During the season Leach has scored in excess of 1,000 runs for Shrewsbury School at an outstanding average of 74.14. While playing for the Second XI, Leach compiled an assured 55* to secure victory over Derbyshire in the Second XI Trophy, and contributed a further 73 against MCC Universities in the Second XI Championship.

 

The Kenyon Award is presented to the player who has put in the finest First Class performance to guide Worcestershire CCC to victory.

 

James Cameron was awarded The Kenyon Award for his 98 in the LV= County Championship against Lancashire CCC. Cameron batted for over 4 ½ hours to enable the county to post a score and then see the bowling attack bowl Lancashire CCC out for just 80 securing Worcestershire CCC a crucial 10 wicket victory over the eventual Champions.

 

Cricket Society Champagne Moment - Alan Richardson
The Champagne Moment was awarded to the player who is deemed to have produced the most exciting and enthralling moment of the season. This was awarded to Alan Richardson for his outstanding bowling during the second innings of the LV= County Championship match against Lancashire in front of a partisan New Road crowd. During his spell Richardson skittled out the top six batsmen for just 22 runs.

 

BBC Hereford and Worcester "Don't Swear on Air" Award - Gareth Andrew
BBC Hereford and Worcester are the only Radio Station in the country to cover cricket every day on the radio, and having watched every ball of the season, their commentators have come together to come up with their "Don't Swear on Air" Award.

 

It could be something breathtaking or outrageous that has made the commentary team bite their tongues and not say what they are thinking.

 

The "Don't Swear on Air" Award was awarded to Gareth Andrew for his superb 65* at a wet Edgbaston, hitting a maximum from the first ball of the last over to secure an improbable victory over Warwickshire Bears.

 

Fan's Forum Fielder of the Year - Ben Scott
Ben Scott was awarded the Fielder of the Year award by the Fan's Forum. Scott, who has recently penned a one year contract with Worcestershire CCC, has been a safe pair of hands for the county since arriving part way through the season. His 31 First Class catches and confident wicketkeeping caught the eye of the Forum, who judged him to be the fitting recipient of this award.

 

The 2012 Season
The 2011 End of Season Awards go some way to displaying the Club's pride in securing another season in the top flight of domestic cricket. The 2012 season will provide further challenging domestic fixtures, as well as hosting the touring South African team on 27-28th July 2012. Further details of Membership and 2012 Fixtures will be available during November. If you're interested in joining Worcestershire CCC as a first time member please e-mail membership@wccc.co.uk to register your interest or call 01905 337921.