2001 Dinner Dance
(Click on underlined names for photo)
Kingswood Golf Club was the venue for another gala night for the members of Woodmansterne Cricket Club. The evening was again a terrific success thanks to the hard work and organisational skills of Margaret Pratt. Margaret will be standing down as organiser this year, so thanks Margaret for all the hard work.
After a first class meal the awards ceremony kicked off with Club Chairman Dave Harris presenting a special award to Robert Hicks and Ryan Polley for representing the East Surrey League. The captains of all three Saturday sides stood down at the end of the season, and the fact that they all featured in awards for their contributions on and off the field was a clear sign of the appreciation of their team-mates. It was undoubtedly a difficult year for the Club on the field, but thanks to the captains, morale was always good and the games enjoyable. We look forward to playing again under new skippers in six months time, on the best ground in Surrey, lovingly tended by Dave Brazier, Bob Conquest and their helpers. M.C. and first team skipper Chris Vagg then presented the first team trophies. The bowling award was won by Jim Selby, who was also voted 'Player of the Year' for his unique contributions on and off the field. Those who experienced his 'singing' later in the evening can testify to Jim's ....er... individual style. Dapper Dave Pryor stepped up to the microphone to make the award for first X1 Batsman of the Year to Chris Vagg, who carried the batting virtually single-handed last season. Bill Marshall was on hand to give Chris the batting cup. Special presentations were made to Irene Harris for her immaculate scoring and Dave Harris for umpiring in the increasingly competitive environment of club cricket. With Seconds skipper Malcolm Wood sunning himself elsewhere and the satellite video link playing up, vice-captain Ian Park stood in for him for the Second Eleven presentations. Club stalwart Ray Turner won the batting award with the brilliant average of 52, Jason Hiscox deservedly won the bowling trophy and his team-mates honoured Malcolm with the Player of the Year award. Special thanks were given to Mike Pratt for his umpiring in general and specifically for giving Ian out lbw (one of only four occasions for Ian this year!). Ted Giles took over for the Third Eleven presentations. Best batsman award went to rising star Ryan Polley and bowling to the ever-reliable Ken Wright. Ted himself picked up the Player of the Year trophy from skipper-elect Paul Benson. Jerry Geldard stood in for Sunday skipper Neil Saunders to announce the awards for best batsman and bowler, both going to all-rounder Neil Griffin. George Miller then made the presentation of Sunday First X1 Player of the Year to the very promisingRobert Hicks. As captain of the Development X1, Paul Benson announced that the Player of the Year for his side was Alex Corner. The trophy for most victims by a non-bowler went to a surprised Steve Hicks and the prestigious Clubman of the Year award was presented by the Chairman to Chris Vagg. Everybody agreed with Dave Harris's comment that Chris was a 'damn fine fellow' and fully deserved this accolade for his contributions on the field, work behind the bar and in many other capacities. Margaret Pratt received a bouquet as a gesture of appreciation from all those present for organising another great evening. When the awards ceremony was over guests mingled and danced the night away. Ex-player but still quite active (for an older man) social member Ralph Patel was on hand to pass on advice and to ignore Chris Vagg's passionate appeal for him to make a comeback (see photo!). After a busy summer spent getting fit Andy Conway appeared quite 'relaxed' by the end of the evening. Trish Vagg's touching rendition of 'Vincent' left stragglers extremely moved .. so moved that they felt they had to leave the building as soon as possible! (only joking Trish!).
