Dolding's double delight

Richard Dolding had two reasons to celebrate at Swardeston Cricket Club's annual dinner.

He was named second team player of the year and also received the trophy for the most outstanding performance of the year.

Dolding picked up 29 wickets at an average of 14.59 in a promotion-winning season as the 2nd XI regained their Lovewell Blake Norfolk Alliance Premier Division status. But it was a performance with the bat which won him the second award.

Chasing Norwich's 185-4, Swardeston were struggling at 95-6 when Dolding strode to the crease. Four sixes and six fours later Dolding had smashed an unbeaten 59 and Swardeston had won by two wickets. Jaden Hatwell was the 1st XI's top run scorer and wicket-taker in their championship winning season in the East Anglian Premier League.

He scored 1279 runs in the 2007 season, 474 of which came in the league at an average of 33.86. He also bagged 62 wickets, with 41 being league victims at an average of 11.24.

The awards were presented at Swardeston's packed annual dinner, held at The Old Ram, Tivetshall St Mary.

All-rounder Kevin Cooper was named the A XI player of the season after he topped the team's batting and bowling averages in Norfolk Alliance Division Two. He made 374 runs at an average of 41.67 but also claimed 23 wickets at an average of 14.83.

Seventeen-year-old Sam Thelwell was awarded the Neville Herathge Trophy for the most outstanding youth player. Thelwell, in his first season in senior cricket, played an important part in the 2nd XI's promotion, taking 28 wickets at an average of 22.46.

Danny Martin was named the Sunday XI player of the year. As he is currently in New Zealand attending the Brendon Bracewell Cricket Academy, his trophy was accepted by sister Hannah.

Danny scored 298 runs at an average of 37.25 and claimed nine wickets with a best of 5-16.