Shildon Railway Cricket Club held its Annual Presentation Night at the Railway Sports and Social Club (BR) on Saturday 3 February.
The club has enjoyed a successful 2023 with the 1st XI finishing fourth in a strong Division 2 of the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League, whilst the reformed 2nd XI gained promotion from the Darlington District Cricket League Division C in runners-up position.
The 2nd team also won the Division C Cup but a further final appearance in the FB Howell Trophy was curtailed by bad weather, so the team now looks forward to replaying this rescheduled game in May.
All players were invited to vote for the Player of the Year in their respective teams, as well as voting for Clubman of the Year and the following trophies were presented.
First Team Player of the Year, The Robinson/Dargue Trophy went to Jacob Dinger.
First Team Top Bowler was Ryan Nangle while First Team Top Batsman was Jacob Dinger.
Second Team Player of the Year, The John Raw Trophy was awarded to Ashley Raine.
Second Team Top Bowler was Shane Rowley while Second Team Top Batsman was also Ashley Raine.
The Clubman of the Year Award, The Jack Watson Trophy, was won by Joe Knowles.
No doubt, the 2024 season will come around quickly and the committee is already busy applying for grant funding, fund- raising, purchasing new equipment, seeking out new sponsors, ground preparation and attracting new players, amongst the many other things that keep a cricket club going throughout the year.
“There’s lots to keep us busy during the close season,” said a club spokesman, “and we’re looking forward to continuing to improve in the season ahead.
“This cricket club is important to our town and the support of the people and businesses in Shildon is vital to us.”
At a recent meeting the committee appointed Greg Upton as 1st team Captain and Jacob Dinger as Vice Captain. Former skipper Tom Wickins will also step in when the inevitable work commitments and holidays interfere with availability.
Andrew Clegg will serve a similar role for the 2nd team who will have Matthew Summerbell as Captain and Dan Richardson as Vice-Captain.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
