Winterton Cricket Club's mood for the coming campaign was good, amply demonstrated by the excellent turn-out at net practice, and the first team are determined to turn things around after dropping a division.

Winterton Cricket Club's mood for the coming campaign was good, amply demonstrated by the excellent turn-out at net practice, and the first team are determined to turn things around after dropping a division.

That was the theme of Bryn Clarke, speaking on behalf of the first team at the club's annual awards evening at the White Feather Hotel, Great Yarmouth.

He gave a short account of a disappointing season. Although the bowling had been up to the mark, the weather had prevented most batsmen from finding any rhythm, and dropping from Division One to Two had been the inevitable result.

Second team skipper Danny Crawley spoke of a successful season in Division Six. They had cemented their place after promotion the previous year, and the future looked rosy with several younger players beginning to establish themselves and pushing for first team places.

Mention was made of Andy Ewing, Tom Roper, Keith Drewitt, Fred Playford, John Stanhope Smith among others.

Chairman Geoff Roper began the awards process for 2007. Eight awards were given.

Mark Hambrook was unavailable through work commitments to receive the clubman of the year award, but warm mention of his dedication to the club through skippering the side for the past few seasons and his work off the field received applause. Joint clubman of the year Adi Miller was also praised for his work behind the scenes, and thanked for his unflagging enthusiasm.

Skipper Danny Crawley presented the second team bowler of the year award to Tom Whitchelow. Danny was then presented with the second team batsman of the year award by Chris Clarke.

First team bowler was Richard Larner. The first team batsman of the year went to Bryn Clarke, who had come sixth in the averages for the whole of the first division of the Norfolk League. This trophy was given by Gerry Roper.

Winterton very much believe in giving youth their head, and one of the most important awards is the young player of the year. This went to a very exciting prospect in Fred Playford, whose slow bowling now included guile, bounce and variation of flight which many beyond his 16 years have never mastered. The trophy was given by first team skipper Danny Snowling.

The players' player of the year was closely run. Mark Hambrook and Richard Larner were joint second, but by a short head Bryn Clarke, for not only his batting but occasional inspired left-arm spinners, was presented with a handsome trophy by the chairman.

The club has a large financial turnover, and mention was made of the fantastic work Jackie Whitchelow does in organising and presenting the accounts. She was presented with a bouquet by Bryn Clarke.

Gerry Roper was also presented with a bouquet for her work as child protection officer and helping with teas by first team bat Martin Witheridge. Bouquets were also sent to Ann Hambrook who has made teas and scored for many years, Lorraine Spelman who organises the 100 Club, and Kate Findlay who plays host at the team's headquarters, The Fisherman's Return.

In future the awards evening will be held in October directly after the season finishes.

The club is holding another junior session on Saturday, April 19, at 10am on the playing field. Boys and girls who are keen to experience the game can come along and find out more about the techniques and enjoyment of cricket. Coaches will be in attendance, and equipment will be provided.

On Saturday, April 26, the club is holding a game between itself as a warm-up. Any new players who would like to get involved can simply turn up, and or come to outside nets which are held every Tuesday evening from 6pm. Some gear can be provided.

Players are reminded of the clean and repair morning this Sunday at the field from 10am.