BARRY Athletic Cricket Club's youth section have hosted their annual presentation evening to celebrate a momentous season for the club, with more than 250 people attending the season-ending celebration on Friday, September 8.

The evening was hosted at Barry Athletic Cricket Club, with a number of VIPs and sponsors in attendance including Cadwaladers, Plus Network Solutions, Barry Round Table and ASDA.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Barry Athletic Cricket Youth Coordinator Mark Ellis. Mark was ably assisted throughout the season by a team of coaches who helped out with coaching, organising matches and the general welfare of the youth section.

With the club completing its second year of fixtures in the Cardiff & Vale Junior cricket league, it was important to recognise a number of major achievements throughout the year.

These included competing successfully in both the U9 and U11 leagues, featuring notable wins against Penarth and a last ball victory over Miskin.

There was also praise for the successful 'All Stars programme' with the club enlisting the second highest number of recruits in Wales with 70 in total. The club also formed a guard of honour at a Glamorgan T20 fixture earlier this summer, while six junior players progressed into the Cardiff & Vale junior squads and a further one being selected at county level.

David Lloyd of Glamorgan County Cricket Club was in attendance, joining in the fun alongside Barry deputy mayor Tony Hampton. Bro Radio provided the entertainment for the evening and Lynette Griffin from ASDA presented a cheque for £200 as part of their Green Token scheme.

The awards ceremony consisted of individual awards to 48 children and 11 awards were handed out for individual performances.

The winners of the awards were:

Players Player of the Year – Joseff Jones

U11’s Joint Player of the Year – Rhydian Jones and Luc Fitchett

U11’s Batsmen of the Year – Jonny Lowrie

U11’s Bowler of the Year – Joe Ray

U9’s Player of the Year – Liam Forman

U9’s Batsmen of the Year – Archie Bell

U9’s Bowler of the Year – Brochan Evans

Coaches Player of the Year – Morgan Price

Youth Club Person of the Year – Ava-Blue Batchelor

Most Improved Player of the Year – Ollie Grant

Fielder of the Year – Will Morgan

Statman of the Year – Simon Bell

The evening finished with a presentation to Glan Williams and Mark Rees, the two groundsmen, followed by a presentation to all the coaches who were rewarded with trophies for their efforts during the year.

A raffle made £189 towards the running costs of the club and the youth sections would like to thank the following people for making the presentation night a big success.

Nina Ray, Cynthia Ellis, Graham Ellis and Susan Miles for helping with preparing the BBQ and food, and Martin Baker, Wes Baker, Nathan Baker and John Gee for helping out behind the bar.

The Barry Athletic Cricket youth section starts again in January with indoor nets at Colcot Sports Hall for anyone aged between 7-11. For further information on joining the club, please contact junior coordinator Mark Ellis on 07826 020707.