LONG-SERVING supporters Harold and Marjorie Hope were rewarded for their loyalty by being presented with the Michael Rigby Trophy which is awarded for services to Accrington Cricket Club.

The couple travel to all the first team matches from their home in Knott End. First team skipper Mahsooq Ahmed won three trophies for his excellent performances during the season - the President's Cup for most runs in addition to the Holden Cup for most catches and the Players Player of the Year award.

Two other outstanding individual performances were also recognised. Matt Wilson, in his first season at the club, won the Chairman's Cup for his innings of 57 in the inter-League Cup against Walsden, and Mushtaq Ahmed was awarded the County Cup for his superb match-winning innings of 73 not out in the final match of the season at Burnley. Mushtaq also won the Seddon Cup for best batting average.

All-rounder Tariq Hussain won the Heavenly Choir Trophy for being voted Supporters' Player of the Year, as well as picking up the Vice-Chairman's Cup for best bowling average. Zahir Afzal won the Boardwell Cup for taking most wickets. A new trophy was presented for the first time to the club's wicketkeeper of the season.

The Leslie and Margaret Martin Trophy was awarded to first team glove man Mark Burns.

Lancashire League President Mr Brian Prickett, a former club chairman, was on hand to present the prizes. Steven Birtwistle won two second team trophies, the Bruce Francis Cup for most runs and the Duncan Warburton Cup for his 116, and four wickets in the win over Rawtenstall.

Mark Stevenson had the best batting average. Danny Greenwood won the award for best bowling average and also the Birtwistle Cup for the second team Young Player of the Year.

Second team captain Lenny Dewhurst picked up the Bruce Francis Cup for most wickets.

David Kennedy's third team had an excellent season, finishing in third place. Tom Pendergast took the third team awards for best batting average and most wickets.

Nigel Stockley's 215 runs at 30.7 earned him the Alven Burrows Cup for most runs and Danny Greenwood picked up a third award for topping the bowling averages.

Young opener Abbas Sadiq's consistent performances earned him the Player of the Year Trophy, and 12-year-old Graeme Sneddon won the Ashwell Trophy as most improved young player in the team.

The club's A team won the Accrington and District League B Division for the second time in three seasons. Captain Michael Donnelly received the trophy - the Riley Cup - on behalf of his team.

Paul Walsh won the trophy for most wickets and Mus Shah had the best bowling average. Michael Donnelly's 244 runs earned him the club trophy for most runs in addition to the league trophy and opening partner Nigel Stockley had the best batting average.

The team's Player of the Year Trophy was awarded to newcomer Mark Croasdale for his all-round contribution with the bat and in the field, including a vital catch in the last match of the season.

Former Accrington and District League club Cavaliers are holding a Reunion Night on Friday, November 19 beginning at the Park Inn, Accrington. All former players are invited to attend.

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