The 2009 Colts Awards Night was held on Friday July 17 - as soon as Chris Stead lit the BBQ, the heavens opened leading to most of the attendees (barring a few intrepid colts!) taking shelter either inside the club house or somewhere with some cover.

Steady kept going despite the rain and soon everyone was enjoying their share of a plentiful supply of burgers and sausages. With everyone fed and Pumpkin and Tracey Sayers overworked behind the bar it was time, for the formal proceedings to begin.

Colts Chairman Geoff Williams gets out the trophies with help from U13s coach Hannah Sayers

Colts Chairman Geoff Williams welcomed everyone by commenting on how lovely the weather had been this year, meaning that most practice sessions had taken place as well as most of the matches. This had led to an excellent season which has seen 3 of the 4 teams qualify for the play-offs. Geoff thanked all of the parents for their support on match days and practice nights. Eventually he thanked his partner Nicky both for helping out with the food this evening and her general support during the season.

Geoff then introduced Club President Mike Pigden as the guest of honour. The coaches of each of the teams were then asked to say a few words about their team's performances:

Under 13 - Tracey Sayers and Hannah Sayers

Tracey stated that the team had had a good season and were an extremely talented and committed side. A special mention for Milan Patel and Oscar Hollinsworth who always turn up for training early and help to set things up. Tracey also thanked husband Mark for umpiring the matches as well as Michael Levy and Harry White for their help with the coaching. She also thanked members of the U11s side for regularly helping to ensure that a full side was put out. On to the awards announced by Hannah:

Most Improved Player: Daniel Stead

Batting Award: George Uttley - over 200 runs this season

Bowling Award: Milan Patel - 7 wickets, including 3 in one game

Team Player: Oscar Hollinsworth

Under 15 - Chris Edwards 

A mixed year for the side but they still finished 3rd in the top division and have therefore qualified for the playoffs. Much to improve on for next season. Chris announced that his moment of the season was seeing Matt Hooker stroll in to bat low down the order at Potters Bar and to proceed to whack the opening bowler straight back over his head for 6. Most of the awards were not too hotly contested:

Batting Award: Bradley Sayers

Bowling Award: Jack Rice

Team Player: Alex Bassil

Most Improved Player: The most contested award for this side was between Harry White and Darren Vanning. Darren couldn't be with us....so it was lucky that the award went to Harry White!

Chris specially thanked his assistant Barend Velleman and Geoff Williams for filling in for him when he was not able to be there.

Under 11 - Geoff Williams 

Geoff commented that the bulk of this side had now been playing together for 3 years, and after their opening season when they lost every game and were relegated, this year the experience of playing together came through as they won a close fought league over Botany Bay on run rate. Special thanks to Chris Stead for his untiring efforts with the U10s - Chris has easily the most difficult job in the section. On to the awards:

Batting Award: George Panayi - scored big on the occasions when he was available

Bowling Award: William Edwards - special mention for his caught and bowled dismissals

Team Player: James Cassidy - he may not have bowled as well as in previous years but both his batting and fielding have come on significantly

Most Improved Player: Jack Phillips

All the members of the squad who had played in a league game were then awarded an additional league winners trophy.

Under 17 - Richard Blaby

Richard stated that this year's squad was easily the most talented he had to work with - he rarely plays alongside any of the team on a Saturday as they all play in league sides much higher than he gets selected for! Disappointed in the league as even before the final game the side knew that due to the points system they could not win the league due to a rained off game against Potters Bar. Despite this the team has qualified for the playoffs.

Different story in the Cup where the team won the East Area competition easily culminating in a 10 wicket victory over Hampstead last Tuesday night, where the whole team arrived more than an hour before the start to practice. They now take on the North Area winners in their next game. Richard specially thanked the U15s who had been regulars in the side, with a special mention to Bradley Sayers who had contributed recently with vital bowling spells.

Batting Award: Matt Shore

Bowling Award: Sam Barker - totally unplayable leading to taking 4 for 2 in the East Area Cup Final

Team Player: Adam Blaby - constant talking and support from behind the stumps

Most Improved Player: Joe Barker

All the members of the squad who had played in a cup match were then awarded an additional cup winners trophy.

Richard concluded by thanking Daniel Cooper for being the team's permanent scorer and Patrick Barker for his organisation and for sorting out the transport arrangements. He also thanked Chris Edwards for helping put at practice sessions.

Colt of the Year

Geoff stated that in recent years a number of players, notably Matt Stead, James Stead and Tony Sayers have moved from the Under 17s to the Cockfosters 1st team and this transition is due to a mixture of working on their game, desire to succeed, listening to advice and support from their parents. This year's award winner meets all these criteria and has already become a fixture in the 1st team now that he has developed his run up into a simple style. He is a pleasure to watch. The winner:

Sam Barker

In conclusion Club President Mike Pigden stated that although the 1st team (currently top of the table) are the flagship of the club, the Colts Section is the aircraft carrier!