PLAYER OF THE SEASON – THE BIG ONE!!
Winner – Matty Score
He bats, he bowls, he captained the 20/20 team to victory, our stand out player for 2019, Matty Scores.
Most improved player of the year
Nominations included Mat Score and Olly Bell for their fine batting performances that took both to the top of the averages for 2019.
But the winner was Dicken Goodwin.
Dicken’s bowling has been thoroughly dependable and often used early in the innings to take important top-order wickets. His economy rate improved as did his accuracy. He always has the knack of getting anybody out with his ‘wonder-ball’.
However, the improvement goes beyond simply his bowling. He decided to stop umpiring in 2019 and now spends his time helping with the scorebook. A decision greatly appreciated by cricket followers.
Best Newcomer
There was only ever going to be one winner this year and, sure enough, Jin Patel won by a voting landslide.
Jin has proved to be a vital member of the Alts’ set-up in less than one season. His opening bowling has brought consistency and steady wickets; he gets useful runs batting in the middle-order; and he takes difficult catches!
A very decent all-rounder and an all-round decent bloke. He has been fantastic for us this year – what a find!
We did try to speak to the Ginster to get his reaction to being awarded this prestigious trophy, but due to fact he was recruited to the team by top sports agent Raj “show me the money” Rohilla, he was unavailable for comment, unless of course Raj took his 20% commission!
Champagne Moment
This year’s nominations were particularly contentious as they included voting for Nigel Green’s century that had taken place during the previous 2018 season. Fortunately, any accusations of corruption receded when the erroneous voting patterns were traced to Professor Stenner’s (aka Stenner Express) ballot sheet. On inspection of this particular paper, a number of unusual voting choices were noted so the committee agreed to treat it as a spoilt ballot.
Both Tarun Rohilla and Henry Olliff were nominated for their splendid partnership in the 20/20 game against The Zambuca Tigers. Tarun’s spectacular wicket-keeping catch was also a popular choice.
Jon Boden’s catch in the last match against the Exiles got a mention. The Exiles’ had a big-hitting batsman who smashed the ball high into the sun, but Boden managed to take a diving catch on the boundary.
However, the winner was the outstanding innings by Olly Bell. Olly scored 97 not out against the Brighton Exiles to ensure a thrashing victory. The innings combined determined defence, skilful shot-making and his trademark brutal hard-hitting.
Nice work Olly!
Captains Award
The Captain’s Award is presented to the player who contributes both on and off the cricket pitch.
The popular winner this year was David Chappell.
Chappers is always available and keen to play every match. If he is not selected, he will volunteer to turn up to support the team and help-out by umpiring. He always plays the game with a cheerful approach to team-mates and opposition alike, epitomising the Alternatives’ ethos.
On the evening of the awards, Chapper’s unblemished Alts’ record was scrutinised by Our Glorious Leader, Mick Robertson, who was kindly in attendance. Through his complex spy network, an informer had alerted Our Leader about an unsanctioned article written by comrade Chappers in a local magazine. Fortunately, Our Leader was generous on this night and, with his eternal wisdom, forgave Chappers for any indiscretions. In fact, Chapper’s received praise for his honesty in his declarations of brotherly admiration towards Keith, touchingly revealed in the article.
Player of the Season
Remarkably, there were no votes for Green in this year’s awards (incredibly he didn’t even vote for himself).
The nominations included Dicken Goodwin and Olly Bell.
However, the winner was Mat Score.
Mat had a brilliant season. His batting was peerless and repeatedly dominated the Alternatives’ innings. He topped the batting averages with an impressive average of 59.3. As ever, his bowling was fast and efficient. He deserved more wickets but looked threatening whenever he bowled.
Mat celebrated his success with gusto. He was last seen heading towards London to stretch out the celebrations into the following morning. Everyone agreed he thoroughly deserved the award and was the outstanding player of 2019.
Well…. almost everyone. Double winner from previous years, Nigel Green, looked a bit disgruntled. There seemed to be a slight unnecessary tetchiness when Green described Mat’s celebrations as ‘gloating’ and ‘unbecoming’. In fact, if ever a man’s surname betrayed his true feelings, then poor Green was that man when he had to relinquish his title to Mat.
Following the celebratory curry Scorsey was last seen heading off in the direction of London Blackfriars station, we are currently unsure if this was his intended destination!!
SPECIAL MENTION to Tarun and Henners
Tarun Rohilla and Henry Olliff were awarded with Alternatives’ cricket shirts as an appreciation of their cricketing skills and contributions during the 2019 season. Both lads are enthusiastic, talented cricketers who are patient with a bunch of confused middle-aged cricketing muddlers.
This years awards crafted by Arkwright
A very special mention to Arkwright for the superb “artisanry” (is that a word – it is now!) in crafting this years awards.
I’m guessing he may have retired recently, and now has a bit of extra time on his hands!!
