Kent bowler Mark Davies scooped the prestigious Player of the Year award at the club’s annual awards night at Canterbury on Friday night.
The 31 year old seamer picked up the main award of the evening with Sam Northeast scooping the Batsman of the Year award, Matt Coles took the Bowler of the Year award, with James Tredwell taking the Fielder of the Year award.
The Awards were an opportunity for Kent Cricket members and supporters to mingle with players, Kent Cricket management and sponsors. The evening included a sit down meal, speeches and prize giving, with an opportunity for a humorous look back at the season in the form of the Club’s ‘bloopers tape’.
There was time for reflection, with a welcome from Kent Cricket Chairman George Kennedy CBE, a Q & A with Kent Cricket President, Mike Denness and speeches from Captain Rob Key, Head Coach Jimmy Adams and Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Clifford.
Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Clifford commented; “This has been a year of progress for the Club. On the field, much improved fortunes in the County Championship and CB40 have been enjoyed by all, although it was ultimately frustrating to fall short in both competitions. Off the field, we have seen the completion of much of the redevelopment work, and I know members and supporters have enjoyed using our wonderful new facilities.
“The support that has been shown this year – in all weather’s, home and away – by our members and supporters has been excellent. All involved at the Club are ever grateful for the backing you give us.
“I would also like to thank all those who continue to support the Club corporately too, especially the major sponsors of our three teams – Spitfire, Cardy and Demelza, plus kit supplier Samurai. They, along with our other sponsors, suppliers and Team Kent Business Club are vital to the Club’s future success.“
Jamie Clifford went on to thank the players for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. He also thanked Kent Cricket staff, and in particular, the Club’s ground staff, for whom the early season weather was a particular challenge.
The evening also included ‘Mike Powell’s Alternative Awards’, which featured a Best Footballer Award, decided by a live ‘keepy uppy’ contest between Sam Northeast and Rob Key; Rob winning by a significant margin.
Meanwhile, Matt Coles scooped the Matt Walker award, for having put on the most weight thoughout the season.
Mark Davies picked up his second award of the evening when it was decided he was the club’s best drinker of the season.
Jimmy Adams wasn’t left out as the Head Coach took away the award for being the best net bowler with all of the Kent squad admitting he had got them out at some point throughout the season.
The Kent Cricket Awards are based on first-class matches, Clydesdale Bank 40, Friends Life t20 and the Kent Spitfires v South Africa match. The Player of the Year Award is based on votes from Kent Cricket supporters, and this year’s Fitzgerald Jewellers’ One Day Player of the Series was decided by Head Coach, Jimmy Adams, with each of the Club’s 2012 Fitzgerald Jewellers’ Man of the Match winners in contention.
Player of the Year:
Mark Davies
Batsman of the Year:
Sam Northeast – 1,359 runs
Bowler of the Year:
Matt Coles – 74 wickets
Fielder of the Year:
James Tredwell – 22 catches
Fitzgerald Jewellers’ One Day Player of the Series:
Rob Key