CAISTER Cricket Club batsman Richard Stokes has won the season's first Lucas Fettes Player of the Month award.Stokes posted an impressive runs haul of 257 in May including four scores of 50 or more at an average of 51.

CAISTER Cricket Club batsman Richard Stokes has won the season's first Lucas Fettes Player of the Month award.

Stokes posted an impressive runs haul of 257 in May including four scores of 50 or more at an average of 51.40.

The Lucas Fettes Norfolk Cricket League Committee credited Stokes' contribution with playing a large part in helping Caister to the top of Division Two following successive promotions in the last two years.

“I am very proud to receive the award, it really has been a team effort so far this season, and I hope that I can continue to score consistently to help our push towards Division One,” said Stokes.

Caister captain Tim Sims said: “Richard has been anchoring our innings from the top of the order, allowing other players to make significant contributions batting around him. He has always been a consistent performer for the team and it is very fitting that he should be recognised with this award.”

John Postill, senior consultant at Lucas Fettes & Partners pictured presenting the award, said: “This truly is a remarkable achievement, considering how far Caister have come in such a short space of time.

“I hope that Richard's good form continues for the rest of the season and that the team can keep their hopes alive for a third successive promotion.”

A Young Player of the Month of the award will be presented from June to Lucas Fettes Norfolk Cricket League players aged 18 or under.

Nominations should be sent to awards and sponsorship co-ordinator Jon Cooke via email or in writing to Forge Cottage, 3 Yarmouth Road, Hales, Norfolk, NR14 6SP to be received on or before the first Tuesday of the following month.