BARRY West End Cricket Club held their annual social awards presentation on the night of Friday, November 21 at Streets Brasserie, the same venue as for the last few years. This year’s marked a special celebration as the club realised its 30th year in existence. Several of the founding members, many still playing were at the function as usual.

Rhys ‘Banto’ Howell is the side’s vintage opening batsman who never gives his wicket away. Renowned for his morbid fear of fielding, and for playing ‘the long game’ the award was however presented for achieving the highest average runs scored. Feared by opponents, and team mates alike, when his limp becomes more noticeable, usually signifying that he is set to make a good score.

Recipient of batting award two years in succession, Rhys took away this trophy to join his growing collection to further weigh down his cabinet.

Aneurin ‘Nye’ Lane has been ever present from the very start of the club. With his proven ability to turn the ball off glass and with his dangerous variations including his infamous Doosra delivery, which he has thus far evaded ICC scrutiny of his bowling action; he is the club’s leading wicket taker of all time. Being more often used to clean up the tail, he also returned this season’s best bowling match analysis with 6 – 28 on tour.

This year’s Captain’s award went to Glan Williams, while the Players’ Player vote was won by Henry Dawson

Veteran bowler Tommy ‘Nine-Toes’ Miller usually drops as many as he catches, but surpassed a career milestone with over 150 victims to prove he’s not always completely useless. Young buck, Henry ‘Tourette’s’ Dawson, one of the more recent recruits to the side, and club captain for the past two seasons, also collected a trophy for exceeding 100 catches and stumpings this season.

With the longevity of the club, few records are usually broken in most seasons, although this year possibly one of the most difficult was likely to have been exceeded as players and guests availed themselves to copious quantities of fine ales at HQ, while all and sundry were fed and entertained by their hosts Debbie and Steve Dite. Normal service will resume next season, with nets being held early next year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Barry West End Cricket Club.