Harberton Cricket Club Awards Evening and Dinner – 6 March 2009

Harberton Cricket Club’s annual awards evening and dinner at the Church House Inn saw many highlights being recalled, including the team’s unprecedented run of 19 wins out of 23 games, many of which occurred against high-level league opposition. The side lost the Mills Shield to Slapton, regained the trophy by a margin of 1 run, and then lost it again to Aveton Gifford at the end of the season. Captain Ben Pyke has already stated his intention to regain the trophy in 2009 and hold onto it until at least 2010.

The season’s awards at the dinner went to Pyke (Players’ Player of the Year), Glyn Oakey (Bowling Award and Young Player of the Year), Bill Scott (Batting Award) and Barry Goldsmith (Service to the Club). Goldsmith’s recognition was long overdue. He has, in his 13 years with the club, held virtually every post of office available. Captain, Membership Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Team Secretary, Welfare Officer and now Chairman, Goldsmith retains a desire to play well into his seventh decade, and few would bet against him having the energy to do so, especially as he is on a hat-trick first ball of next season.

There was also a special achievement award presented to Pyke for his outstanding contribution to Harberton’s successes over the years. With a total of 4,500 runs, 400 wickets and 100 catches, Pyke’s all-round statistics compare favourably with Sir Ian Botham’s test record, and he remains the Harberton player most likely to change the course of a match with either bat or ball. Goldsmith also took the opportunity in his Chairman’s Speech to reflect on the contribution made to the club by several emerging junior players – in addition to the much heralded Oakey, Will Hodgson, Ember Lagden, Elliot Buckner and Matt Culf have all added a youthful zest to the side and the potential for further outstanding performances in years to come.

Harberton is a sociable but competitive club which plays traditional village cricket and new players of all abilities, and social members, are always welcome. If you are interested in joining the club then please contact our membership officer Bill Scott on 01548 821288 or visit the club website at www.harbertoncc.com. We also have a thriving junior section and in 2009 we will be running teams in the U13, U15 and U17 age bracket. Further information can be acquired from Jack Buckner on 01548 821733.