After their final match of the season, awards were given to players to recognise their achievements during the year.
Firstly, Bruce Marshall gave his President’s award to Mark Channon in respect of his match winning bowling against Stokeinteignhead and Woodbury & Newton St Cyres.
The awards were presented by David Birch, club chairman. He said: "This has been a season of memorable matches, close finishes and very high morale, tinged with the loss of one of our greatest characters, Dave O’Higgins.” He reported that we had won 20 matches and lost 13.
He added: “The health of the club is sound, with a number of recent arrivals in the last two seasons adding to our playing strength. This has been particularly welcome since three years ago we were in real danger of running out of enough players to fulfil all our fixtures.”
Familiar names dominate the statistics and the list of season award recipients. Phil Tolley again led the way with the bat, scoring 1102 runs at an average of over 100, passing in the process the incredible landmark of 19000 runs for the club.
“Dave Thayre (591) and John Buckland (579) leapfrogged each other all season in the race to be the second highest run scorer. Along with these three, Matthew Brewster, Dave Alford and Nick Wright received presentation bats for their scores of 50 or more.
Phil Wright took 63 wickets to become the highest wicket taker in Tipton history with 963 wickets. David Birch took 44 and John Buckland 29, but it was Owen Smith in his first season who took the bowling award in recognition of his remarkable accuracy, conceding just over two runs an over. Mark Channon and John Buckland joined these three in receiving presentation balls for taking five wickets in a single innings.
John Buckland was the season’s most improved player, reflecting his prowess with bat and ball and in the field where he took a remarkable 34 catches. Amelia Tolley’s long distance direct hit to effect a run-out earned her this year’s ‘champagne moment’ award. Jem Gillham, not for the first time, was presented with the Kevin Jones trophy in recognition of the many hours he spends on the ground.
Beyond the contributions of the above, many other people have contributed to the success of the club this season. Liz Thayre has provided teas for touring teams and is consequently earning a nationwide reputation for the quality of her cakes. Recent opponents Pentyrch were so appreciative that they arranged for the bouquet.
The generosity of vice-presidents and match ball sponsors and the band of loyal and wonderfully hard to please supporters should not go unrecognised and, in particular, ensuring that our ancient machinery continues to serve us well.
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